Holi (Fagu Purnima)
होली (फागु पूर्णिमा)
Also known as: Fagu, Rang Panchami
The spring festival of colours celebrating the victory of divine devotion over ego (story of Prahlad and Holika) and the arrival of spring.
When
February–March
Gregorian (approximate — lunar dates shift yearly)
Nepali month
Falgun
Bikram Sambat calendar
Duration
2 days (Terai) / 1 day (Hills/Valley)
Tourist appeal
High
Hindu · Nationwide
On Holi, people throw coloured powders (abir/gulal) and water at each other in jubilant play. In Kathmandu Valley, the Phagu Utsav begins with the erection of a ceremonial bamboo pole (lingo/chir) at Basantapur Durbar Square. The Terai celebrates one day earlier, following the Indian calendar. Foreigners are enthusiastically welcomed to participate.
Traditions & rituals
Lingo/chir (ceremonial pole) erected at Basantapur, Kathmandu
Coloured powder (gulal) and water played across all communities
Bhang (cannabis drink) traditionally consumed in some communities
Pole burned on the final night (Holika Dahan)
What people eat during Holi (Fagu Purnima)
When does Holi (Fagu Purnima) fall this year?
Holi (Fagu Purnima) is observed in the Nepali month of Falgun, which corresponds to roughly February–March in the Gregorian calendar. Most Nepali festivals follow the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar, so the precise day moves each year. Use our converter to map any Bikram Sambat date to the Gregorian calendar.
Nepali date converter (BS ⇄ AD) →Holi (Fagu Purnima), answered
Common questions about the date, duration and meaning of Holi (Fagu Purnima).
When is Holi (Fagu Purnima) celebrated?+
Holi (Fagu Purnima) falls in February–March — the Nepali month of Falgun in the Bikram Sambat calendar. Because most Nepali festivals follow the lunar calendar, the exact Gregorian dates shift slightly each year.
How long does Holi (Fagu Purnima) last?+
Holi (Fagu Purnima) lasts 2 days (Terai) / 1 day (Hills/Valley).
What is the significance of Holi (Fagu Purnima)?+
The spring festival of colours celebrating the victory of divine devotion over ego (story of Prahlad and Holika) and the arrival of spring.
Who celebrates Holi (Fagu Purnima) and where?+
Holi (Fagu Purnima) is primarily a Hindu festival, celebrated across Nepal.
What food is eaten during Holi (Fagu Purnima)?+
Traditional Holi (Fagu Purnima) foods include Gujiya (sweet pastry), Thandai (milk drink with spices), Bhang (traditional cannabis preparation in some areas).
Other festivals of Nepal
Sources & data note
Festival dates follow the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar and shift each Gregorian year; the approximate Gregorian months reflect the typical recent range. Cultural details on Holi (Fagu Purnima) are sourced from the Nepal Tourism Board and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.