Holi 2026 in Nepal falls on Saturday, 14 March 2026 — a public holiday in Nepal.
Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Participants throw brightly colored powder (gulal) and water at each other in a joyful nationwide celebration.
Holi originates from the legend of Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu, and the demoness Holika who was burnt while attempting to harm him. The festival also celebrates the divine love between Krishna and Radha — Krishna, embarrassed by his blue skin, applied colors to Radha's face, beginning a tradition. The festival has Vedic roots dating back at least 2,000 years.
Holi spans two days. Holika Dahan (the eve) features bonfires symbolizing the burning of evil. Rangwali Holi (the main day) sees people in white clothing chase one another with colored powders and water guns (pichkari), play music, dance, and visit friends and family. Bhang (a cannabis-based drink) is traditional in some regions.
Gujiya (sweet dumplings), thandai (cold milk drink with spices), malpua, dahi bhalla, papri chaat, and pakoras. Sweet and savory snacks abound.
"होली है!" (Holi hai! — It's Holi!) · "Happy Holi" · "होली की शुभकामनाएं"
Holi is a national holiday in India and Nepal. The festival is observed enthusiastically in northern India (especially Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana). Wear old white clothes you don't mind being permanently colored. Cover hair with oil to protect from powder.
Future dates for moving holidays (Easter, Eid, Lunar New Year, Diwali, etc.) are computed and approximate; the actual public-holiday date in some countries is fixed by official decree closer to the date.
This holiday is also publicly observed in:
Holi 2026 in Nepal falls on Saturday, 14 March 2026, a national public holiday.
Yes. Holi is a nationwide public holiday in Nepal.
The countdown above shows the exact days, hours and minutes remaining. The year-by-year list below has Holi's date in the surrounding years.
The next Holi is Monday, 22 March 2027.