About Nepal’s Vibrant Holi Festival
If you live in a country with a Hindu population or enjoy browsing travel photography, you’ve likely seen images of Nepal’s Holi festival with its dazzling colors. This annual Holi festival in Nepal takes place over a week, with one special day dedicated to the colorful celebrations. As a national holiday in Nepal, Holi brings communities together in a vibrant display that’s truly one of the most enjoyable cultural festivals I’ve experienced in Nepal.
What is Holi? Understanding the Festival of Colors in Nepal
In case you’re unfamiliar with Holi, here’s a brief explanation. Holi is a significant Hindu celebration known as the festival of color that welcomes spring’s arrival. While primarily celebrated in India and Nepal, Holi festivities also occur in Hindu communities across Singapore, Malaysia, and growing communities in the US and UK.
In Nepal, Holi’s eve features large bonfires and communal feasting. On the main festival day, participants throw vibrant colored powder (known locally as “gulal”) into the air and onto others. People also toss bags of brightly colored water at each other as part of the joyous Holi traditions in Nepal.
How Nepal Celebrates Holi: A Multi-Day Festival
On the ground in Nepal, the Holi festival spans several days, with some traditions suggesting up to fifteen days of celebration. For most visitors, however, the final few days leading up to the main celebration are when the festival becomes most apparent. In remote Nepalese villages, preparation begins weeks earlier with food preparation and various traditional rituals.
Traditional Holi Festival Timeline in Nepal
The first noticeable Holi activity occurs three days before the main event, with the tradition of throwing plain water at women in the streets (more on this cultural practice below). Two days later comes the main Nepal Holi celebration—with colored water and powder throwing throughout the morning.
As you might imagine, Holi festival in Nepal delights children especially, who eagerly prepare buckets of dye and fill balloons with water. Many purchase water guns to playfully target neighbors during this colorful celebration. Both young and old enjoy the vibrant festival atmosphere as they symbolically wash away winter and welcome spring. In my extensive travels, I’ve never witnessed so many genuine smiles as during Nepal’s Holi festival.
Understanding Controversies Around Nepal’s Holi Festival
Like any cultural celebration, Holi in Nepal has its critics. Not everyone appreciates being splashed with water or covered in colored powder—understandable, though worth remembering this is a once-yearly tradition.
Cultural Context of Water Throwing Traditions
Recent years have seen news reports highlighting incidents of people being arrested for targeting women with dirty water during Holi. This requires cultural context: traditionally, throwing water at women three days before Holi’s main celebration symbolizes wishes for fertility and prosperity in Nepal. Some locals explain it as historically being a way for men to express interest in courting a woman.
It’s important to remember that Nepal’s Holi festival is meant to be a joyous celebration bringing communities together, not a targeted campaign.
Modern Challenges Affecting the Holi Experience in Nepal
Primary issues arise when some local youths repeatedly target women or use dirty water instead of clean water. Similar problems occur when tourists are excessively targeted before the main Holi festival day in Nepal.
Another growing concern involves the safety of dyes used during Nepal’s Holi celebrations. Several scientific reports have linked certain commercial dyes to skin irritations, eye problems, and potential health issues. I experienced this firsthand when hit by a bag of oil-based blue dye that caused my skin to burn uncomfortably, leaving streaks that remained visible for days.
Balancing Tradition and Safety During Nepal’s Holi Festival
Rather than banning traditional Holi practices outright, a balanced approach would better preserve the cultural significance of Nepal’s Holi festival while addressing safety concerns. For example, designating specific days for water throwing at different groups could maintain the tradition while creating more equitable participation.
Maintaining cultural traditions while addressing legitimate safety concerns requires thoughtful compromise during Nepal’s Holi festival.
Improving Safety Standards for Holi Products in Nepal
Dyes used during Nepal’s Holi celebrations need regulation. However, in a country where four-year-expired juice cartons are sold in supermarkets, enforcement presents challenges. Nepal’s demand for inexpensive imported products with inadequate labeling further complicates safety concerns.
To those concerned about toxic chemicals in Holi dyes: consider directing similar energy toward ensuring everyday food products in Nepal meet basic safety standards as well.
Tourist Experiences During Nepal’s Holi Festival
Some tourists have complained to authorities about being targeted during Holi in Nepal. I’ve witnessed this myself—while walking near Thamel, water bags were thrown at me from above. My response? I laughed, waved back, and joined the fun by playfully suggesting they target another tourist, who laughed and ran along dodging water balloons.
Remember, Holi in Nepal is an annual festival meant for enjoyment, not a daily inconvenience!
When Tourists Misunderstand Nepal’s Holi Festival
What surprises me is how unprepared some tourists are. Even if you haven’t researched Nepal’s festivals before visiting, surely seeing guesthouses stocking dyes and water supplies might prompt questions? Or witnessing people throwing colored powder might make you curious about what’s happening?
When Nepalese children run toward you with colored water and powder while laughing, responding with anger or threats is inappropriate. These children are celebrating their annual holiday tradition in Nepal—a time for fun and color!
Local Perspectives on Holi Celebrations in Nepal
Some Nepalese citizens also dislike being targeted with color during Holi. Often, these individuals have political connections, leading to newspaper articles questioning whether Nepal’s Holi celebrations should be confined to designated areas. However, this festival involves throwing color, occurs on a national holiday, and the color throwing typically only happens from dawn until midday.
If you don’t want to participate in Nepal’s Holi festivities, simply stay inside during those hours.
We shouldn’t restrict this festival of color and joy—one of the few celebrations in Nepal that people of all ages and economic backgrounds can enjoy equally. Holi in Nepal represents a day when social barriers disappear. The materials cost almost nothing, making it accessible to everyone, while the resulting happiness creates priceless memories.
The Evolution of Nepal’s Holi Festival Regulations
I anticipate changes to Nepal’s Holi festival that some may disagree with. I foresee water throwing being banned in days leading up to Holi, with fines for anyone targeting women or tourists on the third day before the main celebration.
Recent Regulatory Changes to Holi in Nepal
2014 update: As predicted, water throwing was banned nationwide before Holi that year, with police arresting local children and dispersing gatherings. On the main Holi day, enforcement relaxed, though radio broadcasts encouraged locals to discourage water throwing and “educate” tourists. Despite this, both Nepalese and tourists who wanted to enjoy the festival continued throwing water and color!
2016 update: That year, authorities imposed severe penalties—a USD$100 fine and potential one-year jail sentence—for anyone caught throwing water-filled plastic bags during Nepal’s Holi celebrations. This dampened early festivities as vendors faced police scrutiny and participants hesitated to join.
Festivities in 2016 didn’t begin until about 10am. By 11am, the number of participants overwhelmed enforcement efforts, allowing Nepal’s Holi celebrations to proceed. Another issue that year was Kathmandu Durbar Square charging tourists entrance fees during the festival—inappropriate given it was both a public holiday and a cultural celebration. By 11:30am, tourists entered freely as their numbers increased.
For Nepal’s Holi festival to thrive, Kathmandu needs leadership that understands cultural celebrations. Practical improvements could include banning traffic in Thamel for safety, replacing plastic bag bans with cleanup levies, introducing dye safety standards, eliminating tourist charges during public holidays, and establishing clear responsibility for these measures.
Predicted Future Changes to Nepal’s Holi Festival
I anticipate future legislation restricting color throwing to private property or designated public zones like Ratna Park, with public venues eventually introducing entrance fees.
Additionally, I expect regulations banning non-approved dyes due to health concerns. While reasonable, this should be balanced with subsidies for approved Holi products and taxes on water balloons to fund cleanup, ensuring the festival remains accessible to all Nepalese citizens.
Global Trends in Festival Regulation
These predictions follow patterns seen with other traditional celebrations worldwide. Consider fireworks regulations in developed countries: decades ago, anyone could purchase them; later, only certain types were permitted; eventually, most countries banned private use entirely, allowing only licensed public displays. Today, even simple sparklers are prohibited in many places.
Is giving fireworks to children unsafe? Absolutely. Is giving a bag of colored powder to a child for Nepal’s Holi festival dangerous? I really don’t think so.
While safety regulations make sense, they can diminish a festival’s spirit. I believe similar changes will gradually affect Nepal’s Holi celebrations, slowly reducing the vibrant colors and spontaneous joy that make this one-day celebration special.
My Personal Experience with Nepal’s Holi Festival
I’ve enjoyed Holi in Nepal many times. Typically, I prepare by buying a cheap raincoat and shorts. I rarely bring my camera, and when I do, it gets covered in dye—my camera grip is now permanently pink! For one celebration, I purchased eighty packets of dye powder, a large plastic water gun, and a hundred water balloons, spending the evening and early morning filling them with neighborhood children.
By seven in the morning, we were ready. Our first target: a wealthy guesthouse owner trying to sneak in before festivities began. He ended up bright yellow and was initially unhappy—not about the dye, but about failing to arrive earlier! Seeing the children’s delighted faces at “catching” him, he smiled. Mission accomplished! Next came the “guesthouse wars” as we took to rooftops, throwing water balloons between buildings. The only complaint came from a North American couple having breakfast on a neighboring rooftop.
The Famous Holi Guesthouse Wars in Nepal
“Stop it!!” shrieked the tourist, “We’re trying to eat breakfast in peace!”
A remarkably unwise statement during Nepal’s Holi festival.
“Welcome to Nepal!” I responded as we launched colorful water balloons onto their rooftop.
They retreated indoors, but moments later, a Korean guest emerged with an enormous smile, returning fire with his own dyed water bombs! The playful guesthouse battles continued throughout the morning—a perfect example of Nepal’s Holi festival spirit!
Nepal Holi Festival Dates: 2025-2029
- Holi in Nepal 2025: Tuesday, March 11th
- Holi in Nepal 2026: Monday, March 2nd
- Holi in Nepal 2027: Sunday, March 21st
- Holi in Nepal 2028: Friday, March 10th
- Holi in Nepal 2029: Tuesday, February 27th
Explore more spectacular photographs from Nepal’s Holi festival celebrations.
Best Places to Experience Nepal’s Holi Festival
A common question I receive is where to best experience Holi in Nepal. Here’s my straightforward advice: find a guesthouse with fun-loving owners and guests eager to participate! Whether you’re in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or elsewhere, the atmosphere of your accommodation significantly impacts your Holi experience in Nepal.
Regional Holi Celebration Spots in Nepal
Kathmandu Holi Celebrations
Kathmandu offers excellent Holi experiences if your guesthouse is near others with accessible rooftops. After rooftop festivities, explore Durbar Square or smaller side
Where is the Best Place in Nepal to Experience Holi?
This is a common question I get asked so here’s the straight up answer. Find the best guesthouse with people that like to have fun!! It doesn’t matter if it’s Kathmandu, Pokhara or where ever. If the guesthouse owners and the guests staying there are fun loving people and are ready to join in … then stay at that place!
Kathmandu is great if your guesthouse is close to other guesthouses that have rooftops. After that head down to Durbar square or some of the smaller side streets where kids are playing. Thamel can be fun but some shopkeepers get annoying at the water and color being thrown.
In Pokhara Lakeside’s main road is the best place. It starts a little later in Pokhara than in Kathmandu. Usually from 10 am and it does go on into the afternoon. Again the main chowks (junctions) leading away from the lake and the residential streets are often packed with kids paying with color.
In Sauraha (Chitwan) the main stretch and by the Rhino statue. Also down by the Rapti river where the elephant bathing takes place.
Lastly try to buy color dye that’s not grease-based. The best is in powder form. It’s available in the smaller local shops rather than the supermarkets. Just ask for “color for Holi”. There will also be some street vendors selling dye. Small packets can be bought for 10-20 rupee while larger packets in small boxes cost from 40-60 rupees.
There’s no multi-packs of dye so just buy the colors you like. The more the better. You’ll be surprised how quickly the dye gets used up so get a lot!
Keep the Spirit of Holi Alive!
Holi is a traditional festival of color and fun. I personally found it fantastic that people off all ages, nationalities, sexes and wealth could participate together.
Yes, it’s one giant mess. And yes, just like I got hit by some awful grease based dye that still won’t come off my face there will be accidents. But it’s worth it!
It’s worth it just because it brings the spirit of color, happiness and fun to so many people once a year. Don’t let the dour few people who want to restrict everything and bring everything under control take away Holi and make it some stuck in the mud pay to access type festival.
If you’re a tourist going to Nepal please read about when there is a festival. Take note of Holi. Be prepared. Join in. Don’t complain. You’re on holiday. Enjoy this wonderful festival that makes people laugh and smile!
This is an updated comprehensive guide to Nepal’s Holi Festival
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FUN FUN FUN!!!
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Also, if you are a tourist in Nepal during Holi, RESPECT the local customs!
I am in two minds about the targeting of women in this, although I have read that in some parts they get to retaliate with big sticks….I guess that would make it fair! Ha!
I think I could be in India for next year’s Holi, and after seeing the travel blogging community’s photos of the celebrations, will certainly try to – looks amazing!
Hey Tash, spot on with respecting local customs! Far too many people go into a country either not reading a simple page or two about them, or else go overboard!
I’m all for making the second day before Holi a day when women can throw water at men. Only fair to turn the tables on us guys.
I hope you get to experience holi in India, it’s a great festival tops anything other by far.
Great post! I agree with you!
Hi Aakar, glad to hear. Thanks for stopping by
This sounds like an intense festival. I’d like to experience it once– as long as its not sewage water or toxic chemicals they are throwing on me :)
I think you’d have a great time Leslie! It’s chaos but of the fun kind :)
Sounds like I should experience Holi asap (2013!). Reminds me of Songkran in Thailand, where people target phones and cameras with water pistols. As you say, you can always stay indoors!
Go for it Nate, it’s by far the best festival I’ve experienced. Generally speaking I’m biased in favor of Nepal for most things. But this tops the list by a long stretch!
I celebrated Holi this weekend! (In Korea of all places) I went with a bunch of my fellow English-teacher friends to the beach where I live for the festival that was set up by the Indians in Korea group here. It was so much fun!!! We just danced and threw powder at each other (and had a few drinks) for a couple hours, some people got in the ocean (which was freezing!), then we went and ate some Indian food.
I would love to experience it in a country where it is actually a holiday!!! Esp since it was a little bit weird going home on the subway surrounded by Koreans staring at me even more than normal haha. But I loved get covered in the dye, even though my fingernails and the part of my hair are STILL pink two days later… I’m thinking I might have to go to India or Nepal for this one day (in 2014 maybe?? I might be contained on the other side of the world this time next year).
Sounds like an great time Kaylin. I could just imagine the looks going back on the train like that.
Never been to Holi outside of a Hindu country so I don’t know the difference. All I know is that Holi in Kathmandu is an amazing experience. If you do travel to Nepal, Kathmandu is the place to experience it. And preferably in a really friendly guesthouse!
I’ve heard the Holi festival shouldn’t be missed. Some tourists tend to get into a privileged state when traveling and feel that they can freely exercise their right to complain. But I agree with you, as long as certain rules are enforced, the experience of the festival should be enjoyed for what it is. It really comes down to embracing and celebrating the culture and people.
Hi Dave.. Yeah sounds like you had a good time there! Great! Like to get there one day!
Hi Bernie, I think you’d enjoy it. A serious amount of good harmless fun. There’s really nothing else to compare it too!
I’ve been in Nepal for the last few months but unfortunately had to leave just a couple of days before Holi kicked off, so it was really great to read this. Thanks for posting!
I’ve heard in India, many women try not to go out seeing as they’re one of the big targets so when I was in India during holi, I actually was advised to a degree against it. But I was also in an ashram in south where it wasn’t strong.
It pisses me off when tourists (& overly sensitive locals) make a big stink about something that’s been a tradition. I despise when the government gives into that minorty. Similarly, this past year, the Hawaii gov cracked down on New Year’s Eve fireworks. It’s been a cultural tradition since forever and HI folk celebrate it to the extent of India/Nepal on Holi. The whole island is in a cloud on NYE due to every neighborhood playing fireworks, aerials, etc… in the streets. The next morning is a big sweepup of red paper, etc… But people complained- first tourists, then people with health concerns… This year, we needed a permit to play sparklers, which is like saying you need a permit for your kid to play with hand poppers! Sadly, the state never tried to sell or commercialize it as THE place to go to for NYE, so not much of the world knows that you’ve NOT seen a real fireworks celebration until you’ve hit the islands. It’s a shame.
Tourists that don’t want to experience local traditions should either not travel or research the dates that they wouldn’t want to travel on. Simple as that.
I hear you Christine.
I used the the fireworks example as I couldn’t think of something else that had a succession of banning in various countries over the years. I thought it was a bad example as I do in some regards agree that “certain” people should not be allowed near fireworks.
I remember Christmas eve in The Philippines. The amount of people being checked into hospital due to fireworks blowing up on them is huge.
On the other hand I can see how in a decade it will also be banned there. I think it is officially banned just not enforced at the moment. So many people will grow up not knowing the fun and excitement of setting off fireworks.
I remember doing this as a kid myself. And yes I burned myself. And yes I learned my lesson and respected fire, and fireworks ever since.
It’s just amazing how many clueless people don’t know how to handle something as primitive as fire.
I could go on … but I’m only agreeing with 100% anyway! :)
I can just see Holi being stripped away over the next few years and it’s a crying shame.
I’ve always wanted to go to Holi – it looks amazing. I never thought about the fact that some of the locals might not like it. It’s so annoying how in any celebration there are always some people who’ll ruin it for everyone else. Argh, so annoying. Throwing dirty water, that’s just grim. Really hope these people come to their senses and just let everyone have good, innocent fun instead of damaging the festival’s reputation.
Hey Dave,
Loved your post. I am from Nepal myself and relate to a lot of what you’ve written. However, I wouldn’t really call throwing balloons at women on the 3rd day leading up to Holi a tradition. It would be akin to saying whistling at women on the streets is a tradition. It happens in almost every corner of Kathmandu, and since it is mostly harmless we just learn to tune it out, but that does not really make it a tradition right? Don’t get me wrong, I am all for having fun and pelting balloons and throwing water at passersby. I have personally gotten together with friends to throw water balloons and colored water at men, but not many women do that. The problem isn’t that women are being pelted with balloons, but that it is mostly men who do the pelting. Throwing water at people of opposite sex is just another way of flirting and Nepali people, like other South Asians, are more forgiving of men who tease/flirt with women but not the other way round. Women who don’t shy away from going against the traditional stereotypes are sometimes jokingly and sometimes seriously called “oottauli” (I can’t think of the exact translation, but you might find someone in Nepal who can explain the word to you). So most women would rather be teased then be on the other side of the teasing. So, although I agree that complaining and making a big fuss about bring pelted with balloons during Holi is just plain stupid, I don’t think designating any one day as the day to pelt balloons at men will solve the problem. It will still be mostly men who will be doing the throwing and throwing water at people of your own sex can only be so much fun…
hi there, I will be in nepal for Holi in March 2013, and was wondering which town I should be in.. I haven’t found too much info online of where to be yet, but someone on tripadvisor recommended Pukhara rather than Kathmandu on the basis that Kathmandu doesn’t have access to clean water so some people they throw dirty water…
I would like to be in a town/area that is the most festive, & enjoyable
Allan
Hi
I’m going to Holi Festival in Kathmandu this month and want to know if any has any advice on avoiding dirty water or preventative medication is case of dirty water. I’m keen to get fully involved in the festival but a little concerned about dirty water?
Cheers
Kath
Hi Kath,
In the days before Holi it’s usually water in bags that’s thrown. It’s not really thrown at people’s faces and it’s fairly sporadic. I would not ingest the water. Its tap water which is not safe to drink in Nepal but is used for showers/bathrooms etc.
On Holi itself it’s the same water but colored with dye. You should avoid oil based dyes if you are participating as they are very hard to get off your skin. Generally though it’s water based dyes which wash right off. I’ve yet to meet anyone who’s been sick from Holi. Though if you have allergies, medical conditions or don’t feel comfortable in these environments then it’s best not to participate. Otherwise for most people they simply wear clothes that they don’t want ruined and enjoy the festivities!
Hi Dave,
My upcoming trip to Nepal will be during Holi week so I am kinda looking forward to it, after reading this! Do you think other parts of Nepal than Kathmandu will also celebrate Holi, like Pokhara? I still have an open itinerary yet so I wanna make the most of it.
Cheers,
T
Hi Tats,
There’s no better time to visit Nepal! Yes other parts of Nepal will celebrate Holi. The only thing to remember is that the more remote you get the less of a “big” deal it will be. The narrow streets of Kathmandu mixed with the tall buildings and large population make it a lot of fun. The next best place will be Pokhara. Lakeside will be brimming with kids pelting each other (and tourists) with small balloons.
The best tip I can give you is find a guesthouse that’s filled with fun people and owners. Older types & package tourists generally are not so great to be around. Wear old clothes and enjoy the day!