Nepal’s festivities: Shivaratri and Holi

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Colourful, atmospheric and authentic. There are two festivals in Nepal which I can recommend to experience; the Maha Shivaratri and Holi. During the Maha Shivaratri you will join hundreds of Sadhoes, whilst the Holi festival is all about celebrating the start of Spring with lots of water and colour powder.

House beats echo over the famous Durbar Square in Kathmandu. Plastic bags with colour powder fly around, covering every one. A truck tries its way through the mob. A man stands on the roof of the truck, holding a large fire hose and sprays around. The crowd goes crazy and dances to the beats. This is the Holi festival also know as the Festival of Colours. Where everyone celebrates the start of Spring season. But also the victory of good over evil.

I can’t get enough of it. Being part of this festivities is crazy. Youngster dance to the house beats and cover each other with colour powder. They wish every one Happy Holi and roam the streets of Kathmandu. And of course, wishing tourists Happy Holi is more fun. You are easily a target for getting splashed with ice cold water and covered by colour powder. But all in a happy and friendly way. Especially if you really join by getting your own colour powder and become part of the celebrating crowd. Besides being a target for water water and paint, I am very popular for a groups portrait. Especially covered in all the colours of the rainbow.

Besides the people in the street who throw colour powder around, it is common that people throw buckets of ice cold water from their windows. Onto the celebrating crowd. On my way to Durbar Square, I already get splashed big time. Whilst being soaken wet, coloured by red, blue, yellow and green colours, I am joining the celebrating mob. The sun is shining. Tthe temperature is very pleasant. What a great way to enjoy the beginning of Spring.

"Happy Holi with the Dutch dj Hardwell."

There you are. Right in the middle of UNESCO heritage. Durbar Square, Kathmandu. Beuatiful temples decorate the scene. And I dance to the beats of our famous Dutch DJ, Hardwell. Happy Holi with my famous Dutch DJ Hardwell; Is there anything more ridiculous? I've read that Maha Shivaratri as well as Holi were expressive festivals, but I didn’t expect house beats and a Dutch dj...

I also attended the Hindu festival Maha Shivaratri. An extraordinary sighting. Hundred of thousands of Hindus honour their God Shiva. A large group gather in the UNESCO heritage Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

The temple lies on the banks of the holy Bagmati river and is also famous for its open air cremations. And an open air cremation during Maha Shivaratri is … During the day mulitple cremations take place while thousands of Hindus stand in line to make an offering in the temple. Bodies are carried to the river by their families. The ceremony starts with the washing of the dead persons feet in the river. After that the body is lifted upon a pile of wood. The family makes their last offering to the desceased; flowers, money and rice is placed next and on top of the body. After that, the woodstack is set on fire and the body burns to ashes. Which slowly falls into the holy river and floats away.

It is a peculiar contrast with all the colourful Sadhoes. Sadhoes dedicate their lives to Shiva and with that they strive to kama (happiness), artha (richness) and dharma (act rightuous). By doing meditation a sadhoe seeks spiritual freedom. Due to their appaerances they can earn some extra money from tourists. Dreadlocks, painted faces and bright orange clothes, a picture perfect. They travel all year, from festival to festival. By foot...

They gather around the temple. They rest and talk with each other. And of course they smoke. A lot. Not cigarettes but marihuana joints. During the festival it is allowed and they are eager to share. I declined, a bit too early for this Dutchmen.

The numerous festivals in Nepal are wonderful to experience. But they also give a good reflection of the real life and culture in Nepal. Raw and touching. If you plan your trip to Nepal, make sure you get to experience one of the many festivals. It is a perfect combination with all the rest Nepal has to offer.