In Kailali and Kanchanpur in the Terai of the Far West, 'Hori' used to have a different charm at this time. Holi programs, fairs, and festivals used to be organized at every corner. But this time it is deserted. Especially among the Ranatharu community here, the charm of 'Hori', which starts a month before Phagu Purnima, has diminished this time due to the elections.

Due to the 'silent period' of the election and the observance of the code of conduct, the main markets of Ranatharu settlements and Dhangadhi have been seen quiet during Hori. Holi is not just a one-day festival for the Ranatharu community. It is a long festival celebrated for 38 days. There is a tradition of singing and dancing Hori at night during this festival, which starts on the day of Magh Purnima. 

However, this time, due to the security sensitivity of the election and the restrictions imposed on crowding, there has been a void in this historical tradition. Shevishingh Rana, a local from Dhangadhi, is saddened by the silence during the biggest cultural festival of his community. ‘Our Hori lasts for a month. Initially, we used to play only at night, but from the day after Phagu Purnima, we would start playing with great enthusiasm even during the day,’ says Rana. ‘This time, since the election silence period has begun, we could not play at night, nor during the day.’ 

Rekha Chaudhary from Dhangadhi also has a similar experience. Recalling that in previous years, there was no place to set foot on the streets during Holi, she said, ‘In previous years, there was a different kind of joy during Hori, there was hustle and bustle from the market to the village. This year, it is not like Hori. Not only the market, but even the village is completely deserted.’

According to her, due to the election atmosphere, people are more busy discussing the election than celebrating. They have not come out in groups. Not many people are seen gathering anywhere. Even though Hori is their biggest festival, the Ranatharu community has responsibly followed the election rules and zero hours. 

The youth who have been preparing for the dance for months for Hori are also calm this time. Local Ramlakhan Rana says, ‘We had prepared everything including new clothes this year. But due to election security, we were not able to have fun like before after walking in groups and singing loudly.’ He said that even though the festival of democracy was an election, it had affected their cultural celebrations. 

Holi goods not sold
Business transactions also increased sharply during Holi. Grocery traders who have been doing business in Dhangadhi market are also disappointed this time. Traders say that the demand for colors, pichkari and new clothes in the market is not even 10 percent compared to the past. Santosh Thapa, who is trading clothes in Ratopul, Dhangadhi, says, ‘There are no people in the market. Only one or two people are playing Holi in a haphazard manner. How can Holi be a business after not celebrating Holi like other years?'

The District Administration Office has banned any kind of rally, crowding or flamboyance during the election period. The Election Commission has also banned candidates from going door to door during the silent period. The government had also banned fairs and festivals, saying that security challenges would increase when a big cultural festival like Holi falls at this time. Due to this, the Ranatharu settlements are not able to celebrate the traditional 'Hori Naach' dance with joy.