KATHMANDU: The ceremonial ‘Chir’ marking the beginning of the Holi festival has been erected at Basantapur Durbar Square on Tuesday morning.
A 32-foot-tall, three-tiered structure resembling a spire and decorated with colorful flags and cloth pieces was installed at the southern courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, including the historic Mohankali Chowk and Dakhchok areas.
Following the installation of the Chir, a celebratory firing was carried out by the Gurju’s platoon. With the raising of the Chir, the Holi festival is considered to have formally commenced in the federal capital Kathmandu and across the country.
The Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti had determined Tuesday as an auspicious time for erecting the Chir. The tradition of installing the Chir at Basantapur signifies the official announcement of the beginning of Holi.
Holi, which dates back to ancient times, holds special cultural and religious significance. The festival is celebrated with colors to mark the arrival of the spring season.
According to religious scriptures, demon king Hiranyakashyapu, angered by his son Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to sit with Prahlad in a fire in an attempt to kill him.
However, Holika was reduced to ashes while Prahlad, a devotee of Vishnu, remained unharmed. The festival of Holi is thus observed as a celebration of the victory of good over evil, with people smearing each other with colors to mark the occasion.
Comment