Holi, which is celebrated in Rupal, an old settlement, is the longest in the far western hills and is celebrated continuously for five days.
We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
The ‘Rupali’ Holi festival traditionally celebrated in the Rupal area under Bhageshwor Rural Municipality is not only a festival of playing with colors but also a symbol of the historical identity, social harmony and cultural continuity of the place.
The Holi festival celebrated in Rupal, considered an old settlement here, is the longest in the far western hills, celebrated continuously for five days. The style of Rupali Holi, which lasts from Ekadashi to Purnima, is similar to that of Mathura-Vrindavan and Kumaon-Garhwal regions.
Holi here is considered an important cultural festival after the Gaura festival. Holi, which begins with the tradition of sprinkling colors on the first day, progresses by exchanging happiness with each other by applying colors and strengthening the bond of brotherhood. The festival is formally concluded on the last day by burning Holi.
According to Ramesh Prasad Joshi, president of the Civil Society Dadeldhura and a resident of Rupal, Rupali Holi is a purely cultural and social festival. ‘Here, only Holi of colors is celebrated, there is no rudeness. It is played in a civilized manner to preserve the culture,' he says, 'Even though there are some changes in the new generation, the tradition and the original meaning remain.'
Krishna Joshi, a resident of Rupal, said that Holi has been celebrated traditionally for generations, adding that the cultural and moral importance of this festival is still alive. According to him, Rupal's Holi is not a festival of playing colors, but a continuation of cultural practices that show the right path to society. 'Here, we consider Holi as a tradition of truth's victory over falsehood,' Joshi said, 'We consider Holi not only as entertainment but also as culture and education.' He said that since this festival is celebrated on the occasion of the victory of truth, love and harmony over injustice, arrogance and wrong tendencies, Holi has been connected from generation to generation.
According to Joshi, everyone from children to the elderly play Holi here. He says, 'Children learn culture while having fun, while the elderly share experiences and remind us of the importance of tradition.' He says that this will further strengthen the relationship between family and community. According to him, Rupal's Holi continues to stand as a symbol of identity, unity and social harmony.
The importance of Rupal's Holi is not limited to the local level. Those who have migrated to Kailali and Kanchanpur also return to Rupal during Holi to preserve their cultural identity. Some have been celebrating Holi in the Rupal style wherever they have settled.
Rupal's Holi, which carries the message of preserving cultural identity, increasing mutual tolerance and social unity, has been passed down from generation to generation. This festival, which preserves traditional values and social harmony even amidst changing times and lifestyles, is identifying the Rupal region as an important cultural center in the Far West. Holi, which began here on Ekadashi, is ending on Tuesday.
