Colourful Scenes of Holi in Basantapur

Holi, the festival of colours, is being celebrated with fervour in Kathmandu and the hill districts of Nepal. The Tarai-Madhesh region will observe the festival on Tuesday.

Also known as Fagu Purnima, the festival marks the arrival of spring. Revellers celebrate by smearing colours on one another and throwing water balloons.

Thousands of Nepalis and foreign visitors celebrate the festival together in Basantapur every year, creating a vibrant and colourful spectacle.

This year’s celebrations are taking place amid heightened security due to the March 5 House of Representatives elections.

Citing security concerns, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, has banned the installation of stages, musical programmes and fairs in public spaces during the festival.

With the election code of conduct in force, the administration has urged the public not to misuse the occasion for political campaigning. The use of clothing or accessories displaying election symbols or images of political parties or candidates has been prohibited.

Here are some moments from the celebrations, captured by New Business Age photojournalist Sunil Sharma.