By- Harsh Ghiraiya
Holi is a Festival of Colours which is celebrated happily through the culture of playing with colours and following some ethnic rituals. For the past 2 years Holi was not properly celebrated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, although this year, Holi was celebrated by most people who felt safer with the vaccine administered to many, unlike the last two years when only a few people in Nepal were vaccinated. This festival is mostly popular amongst the Hindu, but is celebrated by others too. As per Hindu mythologies, Holi is the celebration of ‘the triumph of good over evil.’
Since the ongoing pandemic for the past two years which has disrupted the social life of people, it has been difficult for people to come together and celebrate this festival that is usually done annually. During the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government strictly prohibited enclosed gatherings in confined spaces and did not allow more than 15-20 people in a place, while Holi requires large gatherings and physical interaction for it to be played. According to the Central Police Spokesperson, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, Holi celebrations seemed comparatively low the past few years because of the pandemic. The government also urged everyone to observe the festival within the family circle while observing the COVID protocols. It had warned of the possible danger of a rise in the number of infected persons if the directives were overlooked or ignored. The Valley Police tightened security, bearing in mind the possibility of people gathering during Holi, this resulted in a low turnout for Holi celebration in the past 2 years. However, with the increase in the number of vaccinated people in the country, there seems to be mass celebration of Holi this year 2078.
Holi has always been about celebrating happiness with friends and family. During this period, people forget their troubles and indulge in this festival to celebrate brotherhood. In other words, they forget about enmities and get into the festive spirit. Holi is called the festival of colours because people play with colours and apply them to each other’s faces to get coloured in them, while having fun and rejoicing with their loved ones. The pandemic made it difficult for people in the past to celebrate the festival as it used to be, but this year’s Holi was celebrated in mass after a long time. Along with observing all cultures and traditions practised on this day, the festival of colours was celebrated this year with immense joy.
Happy Holi Everyone!
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