PREVIEW

Devotees throw vermilion powder after erecting the ceremonial Chira, a wooden pole adorned with colorful strips of cloth, in Basantapur Durbar Square to mark the beginning of Phagu Purnima, or Holi, the festival of colors. The installation of the Chira signifies the start of Holi celebrations, which traditionally lasted for eight days but are now primarily observed on the full moon day of the Nepali month of Falgun.