Holi Fagu Purnima Nepal

होली / फागु पूर्णिमा

View on map
Religious & SpiritualKathmandu/Terai/Nationwide
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCeremony, pilgrimageNepal's Holi is unusual in being celebrated
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NPR
CategoryReligious & SpiritualFestival type
The story

Holi Fagu Purnima Nepal in Kathmandu/Terai/Nationwide

Holi, also called Fagu Purnima, is Nepal's festival of colors, celebrated with colored powder and water in the hills and Kathmandu Valley one day before it is observed in the Terai plains, following differing lunar calendar traditions. Basantapur Durbar Square hosts the Kathmandu Valley's largest public celebration.

Late in the Nepali month of Falgun, as winter loosens its grip and the weather turns toward spring, color takes over the streets.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Nepal's Holi is unusual in being celebrated on two different days within the same country: hill and mountain regions, including Kathmandu, mark it on the full moon of Falgun, while the Terai plains bordering India observe it the following day, a split rooted in differing regional lunar calendar traditions

02

The mystery stays covered

The festival's opening is marked by the raising of a ceremonial pole, the chir, at Basantapur Durbar Square roughly a week before the main day, its felling on Holi itself signaling the formal start of color-throwing

03

The city starts moving

the days between draw increasingly large, joyful crowds of water balloons and colored powder converging on Kathmandu's old city core

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Holi is tied to the Hindu legend of Prahlad

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a devotee of Vishnu protected from his father's attempts to kill him

The sacred route

Living ritual

including an attempt by his aunt Holika

The local code

Living ritual

who perished instead in a fire meant for him

Tradition 5

Living ritual

giving the festival its name and its association with the triumph of devotion over tyranny

Tradition 6

Living ritual

a bonfire is traditionally lit the night before as Holika Dahan

Tradition 7

Living ritual

In the hills and Kathmandu Valley

Tradition 8

Living ritual

the raising and ceremonial felling of a wooden pole

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Move patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.

What to wear

Old clothes you do not mind ruining are essential, since colored powder and water stain fabric permanently; many participants wear white specifically because it shows color most vividly, and...

Safety

Watch local behavior before photographing, filming, or entering sacred spaces.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Public ritual moments are often free, but donations, transport, or temple access may vary.

Language/currency

NPR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map27.70 N, 85.32 EOpen in Google Maps

Kathmandu/Terai/Nationwide, Nationwide, Nepal

Nearest airportKTM — Tribhuvan
TransportMove patiently around ceremony routes and leave space for worshippers and participants.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kathmandu/Terai/Nationwide via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kathmandu/Terai/Nationwide, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearOld clothes you do not mind ruining are essential, since colored powder and water stain fabric permanently; many participants wear white specifically because it shows color most vividly, and closed shoes are more practical than sandals given wet, colored streets.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Nepal and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Holi Fagu Purnima Nepal?

Holi Fagu Purnima Nepal is listed for Past edition: 8–9 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Holi Fagu Purnima Nepal take place?

The festival is listed in Kathmandu/Terai/Nationwide, Nepal. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kathmandu/Terai/Nationwide, Nationwide, Nepal

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLvolunteersinitiativenepal.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Fiesta de la Virgen de Caacupe

8 December 2026

Caacupe, Paraguay
Photo pending

Grand Magal de Touba

3 August 2026

Touba, Senegal
Photo pending

Romeria de la Virgen de los Angeles

1–2 August 2026

Cartago, Costa Rica
Photo pending

Sydney Royal Easter Show

19–30 March 2027

Sydney, Australia

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →