KATHMANDU: The festival of colors, Fagu or Holi, has officially begun from today. Holi has officially begun across the country after the Chir (a ceremonial pole with colorful crown) of Holi was erected on Friday morning south side of the Gaddi Baithak in Basantapur, Kathmandu. The Chir was erected at 8:33 am.

The Holi festival begins with the erection of a three-story bamboo Chir hung with colorful flags on the eighth day of Falgun Shukla Ashtami.

Holi, the festival of colors, which is also considered as the spring festival, has mythological and cultural significance. On this auspicious occasion, pieces of colorful cloth are hung on the branches of Mayalrukh trees in the Hanuman Dhoka complex, Dakhchowk inside Hanuman Dhoka, and Mohankali Chowk.

The Holi festival ends on the night of the full moon and is burnt at Tundikhel. The spring season begins the next day.

This festival, which is played with friendship and goodwill, is celebrated by singing Khyali, Tappa and Basant ragas, dancing and exchanging greetings.