Holi, the festival of colors, began with the installation of a 'Chir' (bamboo pole) decorated with colorful strips of cloths at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in Basantapur on Monday. The chir was erected at 7:45 am today. Erection of the pole in Basantapur marks the beginning of the festival which lasts for a week.

Holi will be celebrated in Kathmandu valley and hilly districts on March 6 and in the Tarai on March 7.

The chir will be erected in Patan and Bhaktapur also.