Chir installed in Basantapur to mark beginning of Holi (With photos)

KATHMANDU: Holi, the festival of colours, began with installation of Chir, a bamboo pole decorated with pieces of colourful clothes at Hanumandhoka in Basantapur on Monday.

The pole was erected at an auspicious time of 7:45 am today.

Erection of the pole in Basantapur marks the beginning of the festival, which lasts for a week.

However, Holi will be celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley and hilly districts on March 6 and in Tarai on March 7.

According to a Hindu myth, demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad for his wholehearted devotion to the God Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahalad. Following her brother’s instruction, Holika, who had a boon from Brahma that fire would not burn her, sat on fire with Prahlad on her lap. However, she was burnt to death while Prahalad remained unhurt due to the blessing of God Vishnu.

From then onwards, the festival also known as Holi is celebrated by smearing colour with enjoyment. There is also a saying that Lord Vishnu had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.