Fagu Purnima or Holi

Holi or Fagu Purnima is the festival of colours.  Holi is a symbolic commemoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centres around a proud king who resents his son Prahlada a devotee of  Lord Vishnu. He forbids his son from worshiping Lord Vishnu, warning him with dire consequences  but to no avail. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king’s sister Holika who is immune to  burning decides help the king. She sits with the boy in a huge fire. However,  prince Prahlada emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation. People celebrate Holi by throwing colored powder and water at each other. It is a festival which brings in an atmosphere of social merriment.

Celebrated on March 10th in Hilly Areas & on March 11th in the Terai Region

Ghode Jatra

According to a legend , Ghode Jatra or “horse festival” is celebrated to commemorate the burial of a demon in Tundikhel by the inhabitants of Kathmandu.The riders of the Nepalese Army Cavalry Division ride their horses over the Tundikhel ground during this festival.According to a popular belief the trampling by the horses on the Tundikhel ground will not let the demon rise again . Ghode Jatra sort of marks the victory of good over evil.

Celebrated on March 26th in Tundikhel , Kathmandu