Holi never lands on the same date, an aspect that can confuse travelers and festival-goers.
The reason lies in the Hindu calendar, which is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon rather than the sun. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Falgun, which corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. Because lunar months are slightly shorter than solar months, the date of Holi shifts each year. For instance, in one year Holi might fall in late February, while in another, it may land in mid-March. This shifting date is similar to how Easter changes each year in the Christian calendar or how Ramadan changes in the Islamic calendar. Understanding this helps demystify why planning Holi celebrations requires checking the lunar calendar or referring to annual Hindu festival date lists.
Now, looking ahead to the upcoming celebration—why is Holi being celebrated in Kathmandu on March 2, 2026? The answer is simple: in 2026, the full moon of the month of Falgun falls on March 2. That’s the day when Holi will be celebrated across the hill regions of Nepal, including Kathmandu Valley. As per tradition, the Terai region will celebrate the next day, on March 3. These dates have been calculated based on the traditional Nepali lunar calendar (Bikram Sambat) and are recognized by both religious authorities and government festival calendars.
For travelers and residents alike, it’s important to keep in mind that while Holi is often presented in media as a one-day affair of throwing colored powder, the actual celebration includes multiple rituals and social customs. It begins with Holika Dahan on the eve of the main day—a ceremonial bonfire lit to signify the burning away of negativity and evil. People gather around the fire, sing devotional songs, and perform symbolic offerings. The next day is what most people associate with Holi—the riot of colors. In cities like Kathmandu, crowds gather in Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel, and various temples to play with colors, dance to live music, and engage in what feels like a public carnival. Children arm themselves with water guns and balloons, and street vendors sell traditional snacks like sel roti, malpua, and special drinks such as bhang (a traditional cannabis-infused beverage, though used cautiously and usually among certain communities).
It’s also a time for community reconciliation and celebration. Social barriers fade, and people from different backgrounds—neighbors, friends, strangers, tourists—come together in shared joy. In many ways, Holi is a social equalizer, where laughter, music, and colors connect people beyond caste, class, and creed. In recent years, the festival has also taken on a modern form, with organized color festivals, stage shows, and DJ parties, especially in urban centers. While some purists criticize this commercialization, many see it as an evolution of tradition in an ever-changing world.
From a tourism perspective, Holi in Nepal offers a unique experience. Unlike some larger Indian cities where the crowds can be overwhelming, Nepal’s Holi celebrations are more intimate yet no less energetic. Tourists often find themselves welcomed into local homes or community celebrations, where they get a first-hand taste of Nepali hospitality, culture, and tradition. For those visiting in 2026, March 2 in Kathmandu will be a day to remember—filled with music, color, and cultural immersion. And if you’re up for more, head down to the Terai on March 3 for a second round of celebration.
Photo by Kabita Darlami
