Holi, one of the major festivals observed in Nepal, is being celebrated in the hilly parts of the country today.

The festival of goodwill and harmony will be celebrated in Tarai tomorrow.

Also called Phagu Poornima, people celebrate this festival by smearing colorful powders and throwing colored water at each other while dancing and singing.

People of all ages, old and young as well as children participate in the festival.

Since age-old times, the Holi festival has been observed as a celebration of the victory of truth over falsehood.

As it is celebrated by one and all, the Holi festival has contributed to minimizing inequality and discrimination in the society.

Meanwhile, President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed his belief that the Phagu Poornima or Holi festival would contribute to further strengthening social harmony and national unity in the country.

In a message of best wishes today on the occasion, he said that the festival helps the ethnic, linguistic and culturally diverse Nepali society maintain unity amidst diversity.

“Unity amidst diversity is also the identity and unique characteristic of Nepalis. I am confident that this festival will contribute to further strengthening social harmony and national unity among all Nepalis by renouncing anger and resentment and fostering love and affection,” reads the message.

Describing Nepali society as diverse and colourful as the various colours played during Holi, he has also expressed his heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepali sisters and brothers living at home and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Holi.

Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center​​​​​) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' have also issued separate statements extending their best wishes to all those celebrating the festival today.