KATHMANDU: The splendor of this year’s Phagu poornima or the festival of Holi has begun with the installation of colourful Chir near the Kumari Ghar and Gaddi Baithak in Basantapur, Kathmandu.

On the day of Ashtami of the month of Falgun, it is customary for members of the Dhalasikw Manandhar Sana: Goo Khal of Talachhi in Kathmandu to install the Chir. This is also a sign of the arrival of spring in the country.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the Chiroththan or installation of the chir was done by turning east at 7:13 in the morning.

After this, the festival of colours and happiness, Holi, has begun for the people of Kathmandu valley. The festival is celebrated for the next eight days. Celebrated from Ashtami to Poornima, the festival unites people of all cast and creed under one colour.

According to religious and astrological calculations, this year the main day of Phagu, i.e. the full moon day, falls on coming Monday. On the same day, Phagu will be celebrated with joy and fun by playing with colors in the hilly districts. In the Tarai districts, preparations are underway to celebrate this festival the next day, i.e. on Tuesday.