Punam Phuyal
Maha Shiva Ratri and Holi Nepal celebrate different festivals with regarding culture and tradition with historical shreds of evidence and beliefs. Mahashiva Ratri and Holi, both festivals are of great importance in Hinduism which occurs in the new moon and Full moon of the month of February/March respectively. Hindus of each part of the world celebrate these festivals. In Nepal, not only Hindus, all Nepalese celebrate MahaShiva Ratri and Holi as the best occasion. The small child to elderly people keeps faith in these festivals.
Maha Shiva Ratri - literally “the great night of Shiva” is the greatest festival of Hinduism. The festival mainly focuses on the worship of Lord Shiva- the God of creation, up keeping and destruction. Lord Shiva also is known as Mahadeva, Mahesha, Shankar, and Neelkanth is a great god from the Vedic period. This is an ancient festival without an exact date of origin. it will be celebrated on March 01 2022 A.D.( 2078/11/17 B.S.)
On the occasion of Maha Shiva Ratri, all Hindu of Nepal worship lord Shiva by going nearby Shiva temple. The world cultural Heritage Pashupatinath is the main holy place for worshiping Lord Shiva. More than a million pilgrims visit Pashupati Nath from different parts of the world on this day. Thousands of Sadhus also known as Naga comes from India for the occasion of Maha Shiva Ratri. The government pf Nepal keeps good care of these sadhus until they stay in Nepal.
People with faith and believe in Lord Shiva keep fasting, went to Pashupati Nath or any Shiva temple and celebrate the whole day by remembering Lord Shiva. They chant the prayer of Lord Shiva and worship Lord Shiva. There is a tradition of spending the whole night with religious chant and burning wood (dhuni).
Holi is also a great festival among all tribes in Nepal. It is commonly known as festival of color or festival of love. There is ancient story from the Vedic period behind the celebration of Holi as a festival.
According to the story Hiranyakashyap who himself thought as powerful God doesn’t want his son Prahlad to worship Lord Bishnu. Thus he asked his son to prove that Lord Bishnu will protect him in any situation. Then he let Prahlad to sit on the lap of Holika – the sister of Hiranyakashyap with the boon that she wouldn’t be burned by fire. And then Holika sat on fire with Prahlad on her lap. Unfortunately, the boon of Holika doesn’t work at meantime and she died due to burning but Pralad remains alive due to protection from lord Bishnu. After then that day on which Holika loss her life was taken as Holi. The festival Holi begins at that time. The previous evening is now also celebrated as Holika Dahan by making bukhyachaa of Holika and burning it. Worshiping and dancing with joy on the destruction of evil power carries on. It will be celebrated on March 17, 2022
In Nepal, Holi is celebrated separately in the Hilly and Terai region. The full moon day of Falgun (March) is known as Pahad Holi. The people of hilly region celebrate holy on this mean day. The next day of Falgun Purnima is common as Terai Holi. People of the Terai region celebrate Holi in this day. The way of celebration Holi differs from place to place. Some use water and some use colors to enjoy and spread happiness among friend and relatives. This day is very special to those who want to make new friends, confess love among each other and end the conflict among friends and relatives.
Nepal is a beautiful country not only with its mind-blowing natural beauty but also the culture, tradition, norms, values and various festivals add fragrance. So, visit Nepal to observe its divine beauty and take part in various occasions and festivals held in Nepal. We mission summit treks and expedition always welcome you with helpful hands to explore Nepal with comfort.
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