KATHMANDU, 28 March, 202, (TON): People in Kathmandu Valley and hilly districts will observe Holi, the festival of colors, also known as Fagu Purnima, by exchanging wishes today.

Revelers, young and old alike, celebrate the festival by smearing colorful powders and throwing water-filled pouches or balloons at each other. The festival will be celebrated in the Tarai region on Monday.

The festival marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The first day of the festival is called Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan while the second-day Dhuleti or Holi. Holika Dahan, the death of Holika, the symbol of the triumph of good over evil, is marked by lighting a bonfire and performing a special Puja to burn evil spirits.

Fagu Poornima carries its own speciality and significance. People of all ages enjoy the festival with enthusiasm. The festival begins on the eighth day of the new moon on the lunar calendar.

The festival also known as Holi is celebrated by smearing color 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.