Kathmandu’s historic Basantapur Durbar Square marked the start of Nepal’s Holi festival with the erection of a vibrant three-storey flag, signalling the formal beginning of the colourful celebrations across the country.
Following long-standing tradition, the flag was raised on the south side of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace throne area, marking the festival’s start. Members of the Manandhar community took part in the ceremony, decorating the flag with bright colours and celebrating by applying coloured powder to one another.
Similar rituals took place at other prominent sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Sundarichowk in Hanuman Dhoka, and Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square, where colourful fabrics were hung to mark the start of festivities.
The main Holi celebrations this year are set for March 2 in the hill and Himalayan districts and March 3 in the Terai and Madhesh regions, which have been declared public holidays.
During the Basantapur ceremony, a team from the Nepalese Army added to the festive atmosphere with traditional music and celebratory gunfire. Locals gathered in the square to witness the flag-raising and joined in the festivities by exchanging colours and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
The flag-raising ceremony continues to be a central ritual for announcing Holi, bringing communities together to celebrate Nepal’s most vibrant festival.