Chinese Photographers Capture Nepalese Holi Festival in Kathmandu
A group of 100 Chinese photographers and photojournalists have descended upon Kathmandu to capture the vibrant scenes of Nepalese people celebrating Holi, the festival of colors. The photographers will be stationed at Basantapur Durbarsquare, located in the heart of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, to document the festivities on Thursday, the main day of Holi.
The backdrop for their photoshoot will be the ancient Malla era temples and the old Hanumandhoka Palace, showcasing Nepal’s rich medieval art, culture, and architectural marvels. This initiative is part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.
Organized by the China-Nepal Friendship Forum, the Nepal Tourism Board, and the National Photo Journalists Group, the program aims to promote Nepal’s tourism by showcasing the colorful festival to a global audience. The photographers will also tour various tourist spots, cultural and historical sites in Nepal to highlight the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Holi, also known as the festival of colors, officially kicked off with the installation of a 32-foot bamboo stick called ‘chir’ at Basantapur Durbarsquare on March 7. The main day of Holi falls on the full moon day of Falgun, which corresponds to March 13 in Kathmandu Valley and the hilly region, while the festival is observed in the Terai region on March 14.
Authorities in Kathmandu have issued a notice urging people to celebrate Holi in a respectful manner, with the Assistant Chief District Officer emphasizing the importance of peaceful and dignified celebrations. This collaboration between Chinese photographers and Nepalese organizers promises to showcase the beauty and cultural richness of Nepal to the world through the lens of talented photographers.
