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Holi, the festival of colors, is being celebrated Thursday across the hilly regions of Nepal, while the Tarai region will mark the festival on Friday. A massive crowd has gathered at Kathmandu’s historic Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to celebrate the Holi festival here.

The festival is also known as Fagu Purnima here. The Holi festival, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, was marked with enthusiasm, bringing people together in a colorful embrace of harmony. Revelers and foreign tourists, smeared with bright hues, danced to music, exchanged festive greetings, and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the District Police Range, Kathmandu, has deployed over 300 security personnel to maintain order and prevent any unwanted incidents during the celebrations.

 President Donald Trumpon Thursday threatened a 200% tariff on European wine, Champagne and spirits if the European Union goes forward with a planned tariff on American whiskey.

The European tariff, which was unveiled in response to steel and aluminum tariffs by the U.S. administration, is expected to go into effect on April 1, just ahead of separate reciprocal tariffs that Trump plans to place on the EU.

But Trump, in a morning social media post, vowed a new escalation in his trade war if the EU goes forward with the planned 50% tariff on American whiskey.

“If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all WINES, CHAMPAGNES, & ALCOHOLIC PRODUCTS COMING OUT OF FRANCE AND OTHER E.U. REPRESENTED COUNTRIES,” Trump wrote. “This will be great for the Wine and Champagne businesses in the U.S."

The U.S. president has defined his opening weeks in the White House with near daily drama regarding tariffs, saying that taxing imports might cause some economic pain but would eventually lead to more domestic manufacturing and greater respect for America.

As of now, Europe seems unwilling to back down.

“Trump is escalating the trade war he has chosen,” Laurent Saint-Martin, the French delegate minister for foreign trade, said on X. “France, together with the European Commission and our partners, is determined to fight back. We will not give in to threats and will always protect our industries.”

Trump’s latest tariff threats suggested that even companies that have publicly stood by him could be collateral damage, raising questions about whether the wider business community would be willing to openly challenge a series of trade wars that have hurt the stock market and scared consumers who worry about inflation worsening.

Bernard Arnault, the CEO of French luxury goods company LVMH, attended Trump’s inauguration in January. His company’s wine and spirits brands, which include Moët & Chandon, Krug, Veuve Clicquot and Hennessy, could be subject to the retaliatory tariffs the U.S. president is seeking. The Italian company Campari could also be hurt, after the White House highlighted it at Tuesday’s press briefing for possibly opening a U.S. factory.

The Republican president on Wednesday had signaled that he intended to take the tariffs action.

“Of course I will respond,” Trump told reporters during an Oval Office exchange with reporters.

Trump, in announcing the new steel and aluminum tariffs on Wednesday, openly challenged U.S. allies and vowed to take back wealth “stolen” by other countries, and he drew quick retaliation.

He has separate tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, with plans to also tax imports from the European Union, Brazil and South Korea by charging “reciprocal” rates starting on April 2.

The EU announced its own countermeasures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that as the United States was “applying tariffs worth 28 billion dollars, we are responding with countermeasures worth 26 billion euros,” or about $28 billion.

Those measures cover not just steel and aluminum products but also textiles, home appliances and agricultural goods.

European Commission spokesman Olof Gill said Thursday shortly before Trump’s announcement that the EU was “prepared for whatever might come, and we have been preparing for over a year.”

“We call on the U.S. to immediately revoke the tariffs imposed yesterday, and we want to negotiate to avoid tariffs in the future,” Gill added. “They bring nothing but lose-lose outcomes, and we want to focus on win-win outcomes.”

U.S. whiskey makers, meanwhile, urged Trump to broker a deal. 

“The US-EU spirits sector is the model for fair and reciprocal trade, having zero-for-zero tariffs since 1997,” Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, said in a statement. “We urge President Trump to secure a spirits agreement with the EU to get us back to zero-for-zero tariffs, which will create U.S. jobs and increase manufacturing and exports for the American hospitality sector. We want toasts not tariffs.”

When Europe responded to Trump’s 2018 tariffs with a 25% tax on U.S. whiskey, exports to the EU fell by 20% through 2021, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. Trump’s separate 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico could put 31,000 jobs at risk in the sector. AP

Former King Gyanendra Shah returned to Kathmandu from western Nepal recently amid rousing cheers and chants from thousands of supporters. This mass gathering at the airport and the subsequent rally in which thousands of people participated wasn’t just nostalgia for the bygone monarchy; it was a reflection of public frustration. A deep, simmering frustration of the unemployed youth who see no future in their own country, of parents left alone as their children work under the scorching heat in foreign lands, of spouses living apart, yearning for the family life they once dreamed of. It was a frustration of citizens who wake up every day to yet another news of corruption, scandals, and abuse of power, frustration of hardworking individuals whose opportunities are overtaken by the privileged few politicians, their families, and their inner circles.

For some, this support for monarchy comes from an experience; they lived under it and now compare it to what democracy has offered. For others, it was fueled by the sense of uncertainty; they never experienced monarchy but now wonder what if there was a monarchy in place? What if governance was about service rather than power? What if corruption was actually punished? What if the nation prioritized merit over political connections? What if development wasn’t just an election-time slogan? What if Nepalis didn’t have to celebrate something as basic as a newly paved road in the 21st century?

The frustration isn’t new. It has been brewing for years. The transition to democracy was supposed to bring change, but for many, it has brought only disappointment. Political instability has been a defining feature of Nepal’s governance for decades, with governments collapsing and forming at an alarming rate. Leaders rise to power promising reforms, only to repeat the same cycle of inefficiency and self-interest. Citizens are left watching as political infighting takes priority over national progress.

Nepal’s economy, once hoped to flourish under democratic rule, has struggled to provide for its people. The job market is stagnant, pushing millions of young Nepalis to seek employment abroad. The remittance economy sustains the country, but at a great emotional and social cost. Families are torn apart, children grow up without parents, and entire generations are raised with the mindset that their future lies outside Nepal, not within it.

Education is another area of disillusionment. Young people work hard to earn degrees, only to find that merit does not guarantee opportunities. Instead, it is nepotism, political connections, and bribery that open doors. Many educated individuals either leave for better prospects or settle for underemployment, their talents wasted in a system that does not value them.

The corruption that plagues Nepal is perhaps the most infuriating aspect of all. Scandals involving billions of rupees make headlines regularly, yet those responsible rarely face any real consequences. Politicians and bureaucrats enrich themselves while basic services crumble. Hospitals lack equipment, schools lack resources, and infrastructure projects remain unfinished for years, draining public funds while achieving little progress.

Infrastructure development moves at a snail’s pace. Roads, bridges, and essential facilities are often promised but rarely completed on time or with quality workmanship. When projects do finish, they are celebrated as major achievements—even though they are the bare minimum a functioning government should provide. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, cities are being built from scratch in mere months, and technological advancements are reshaping economies.

The justice system, too, fails to inspire confidence. Laws exist on paper but are not enforced equally. The wealthy and powerful navigate the system with ease, while ordinary citizens struggle for even the most basic legal protection. Cases drag on for years without resolution, leaving victims with little hope for justice.

It is in this climate of frustration that the question of monarchy resurfaces—not necessarily as a solution, but as an alternative to the current mess. The sight of Former King Gyanendra being welcomed back in Kathmandu was not just about nostalgia; it was a loud and clear message that people are desperate for something different. They are not necessarily advocating for a return to absolute monarchy, but they are asking whether the current system has truly served them well.

As someone who was a child when Nepal was still a monarchy, I cannot claim firsthand knowledge of whether it was better or worse. But I see the frustration around me, and I, too, find myself asking: What if? Not because I believe monarchy is the perfect solution, but because I know that democracy, as it stands, is failing its people. It has become a tool for a handful of elites to consolidate wealth and power while millions struggle to get by.

This isn’t about choosing between democracy and monarchy, it is about demanding a system that works. A system that prioritizes governance, accountability, and opportunity. A system where politicians are held accountable, where corruption is punished, and where leadership is driven by service rather than self-interest.

So where do we go from here? The What ifs are questions that demand answers, not silence. Whether it is democracy or monarchy, the real concern should be about governance, accountability, and the future of Nepal. Because, at the end of the day, Nepalese are not demanding luxury; they are merely asking for dignity, fairness, and a chance to build a better future in their own homeland.

Fagu, also known as Holi or Faguwa, is one of the most joyous and vibrant festivals celebrated in the Tarai Madhes region of Nepal. This festival, often referred to as the “festival of flying colors,” is a celebration of romance, unity, and the playful splashing of red powder and vibrant hues. While Holi is celebrated across Nepal and India, the traditions and customs in Tarai Madhes hold a unique charm and significance.

The festivities begin with the erection of the Chir (a ceremonial totem pole) in Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marks the official start of the celebrations. Revelers splash water and throw colored powders—yellow, blue, and red—on each other, creating a kaleidoscope of joy. Friends, relatives, and even unsuspecting passersby, including foreign visitors, are not spared from the colorful onslaught. The festival spans a week, but the most exuberant moments occur when people play with Abir (colored powders) and water mixed with vibrant dyes.

The Chir, a three-tiered structure, holds deep cultural and mythological significance. It is raised on the 8th day of the waxing moon near the Kumari Temple in Basantpur and remains standing until the final day of the festival. The Chir symbolizes the Kadam tree from Hindu mythology, where Lord Krishna is said to have hung the clothes of the Gopinis (milkmaids) while they bathed in the Yamuna River. According to legend, the Gopinis were startled by Krishna’s flute and, in their embarrassment, prayed to the sun god while submerged in water. The pieces of cloth on the Chir represent the garments of the Gopinis, adding a layer of spiritual meaning to the festivities.

The great poet of Mithila Vidyapati has described in one of his poems:

“Let us go and greet the Spring,

Where Ketaki and Kund bloom, laughing.

The moon shines clear, a silver glow,

While black bees hum, their whispers low.

The night is soft, a dim embrace,

Yet my beloved turns an angry face.

Kamadeva, the god of love, takes his stand,

Locked in battle, bow in hand.

Radha and Krishna, in playful delight,

Plan to escape to the forest at night.

Beneath the trees, where shadows play,

They’ll find their joy and steal away.”

In Tarai Madhes, Fagu is celebrated a day after the full moon night of the month of Falgun. On the full moon night, communities gather to burn heaps of garbage, symbolizing the cleansing of old energies. The following day, the air fills with the melodies of traditional Fagua folk songs as people roam their villages, exchanging colors, red powder, and small gifts like betel nuts, coconuts, cardamom, cloves, and raisins. The festival is a time for feasting, merriment, and strengthening social bonds.

Fagu is deeply intertwined with themes of love, fertility, and renewal. The full moon night is believed to enhance vitality and vigor, awakening romantic and amorous feelings among people of all ages. The festival is particularly significant for newly engaged and married couples, as it symbolizes the blossoming of love and passion. Non-vegetarian meals, including fish, meat, and eggs, are consumed to boost stamina, while vegetarian delicacies like sweets and fruits are also enjoyed. Home-brewed beer adds to the festive cheer.

The festival transcends social boundaries, bringing together people of all castes, genders, and backgrounds. It is a time to let go of past grievances and embrace love, affection, and unity. The throwing of red powder (kumkum or sindur) symbolizes equality and the breaking down of societal barriers.

Fagu also has deep mythological roots. It is associated with the divine love stories of Radha and Krishna, Rama and Sita, and Shiva and Parvati. The festival’s connection to fertility rites is evident in the playful and sometimes risqué folk songs and chants. According to Sanskrit scholars, the festival’s exuberant shouting and revelry may have origins in ancient fertility rituals, symbolizing the celebration of life and creation.

The festival also marks the arrival of spring, known as Basantotsav. As the poet P.B. Shelley famously wrote, "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" Fagu embodies this spirit of renewal and hope. The lighting of bonfires during the festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the ushering in of a new season.

One of the most enchanting aspects of Fagu is its music. The Holi or Fagua folk songs, steeped in mythological references, are melodious and deeply evocative. A popular folk song recounts the story of Lord Krishna’s flute, which charmed the world and connected the three realms:

"On the day Krishna played the flute,

The three worlds were connected.

What was the flute made of?

And how was it tied?

On the day Krishna charmed the world,

With bones and flesh, the flute was made,

With love, it was tied."

Fagu is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, love, and cultural heritage. It is a time when the people of Tarai Madhes come together to rejoice, forgive, and renew their bonds. The festival’s vibrant colors, melodious songs, and rich traditions make it a truly unforgettable experience, shared not only by the people of Nepal but also by their neighbors in India, reflecting a shared cultural legacy.