Hello, colour enthusiasts! Let’s enjoy a delightful journey back to Bhaktapur, Nepal—also known as the city of light—where the Festival of Colours, or Holi, introduces a burst of happiness and a dash of chaos!
Journey to Holi festival
Bagmati river
November 8, 2025
Earthquake Gorkha
November 10, 2025STORIES FROM NEPAL
Fagu Purnima a Holi festival
Now, let’s explore some legendary stories behind Holi. Have you heard about Holika’s fiery sacrifice to save her beloved Prahlad? Or the mischievous adventures of baby Krishna and the witch Putana, who tried to poison him? Spoiler alert: he turned blue, and his mother decided to cheer him up by smearing colours on him! Talk about a unique skincare routine!
In the past, the gulal (that’s the colourful powder you see flying everywhere) was made from flowers with skin-friendly properties. Nowadays? Well, let’s say some industrial dyes might contain a few questionable ingredients. But hey, it’s Holi—live a little, right? So, I duct-taped my gear and jumped in!
Dressed from head to toe in vibrant colours, I felt like I was part of a living, breathing art installation. The town buzzed with energy, making it impossible not to smile. And my camera was fully protected from the powder, so I could fully enjoy the festival.
Although the Gorkha earthquake disrupted things in 2015, Bhaktapur—also known as the “Place of Devotees”—still maintains its charm, with its car-free streets and stunning medieval atmosphere. So, if you’re looking for a festival full of fun, unity, and a touch of craziness, Holi in Bhaktapur is where you should be! Get ready to embrace the chaos and colour your world!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain