Kathmandu today drenched itself in a variety of colors with thousands of people coming out of their houses, smearing each other with colors and exchanging Holi wishes. Foreigners also joined the celebration in Basantapur Durbar Square, a common place for Kathmandu people to gather and celebrate the festival of colors. Basantapur or the Kathmandu Durbar Square which has witnessed major turmoil and changes in Nepal is also referred to as the "Holi Junction of Kathmandu". Every year, people visit the historical courtyard to observe the festival of colors.The festival, also called the Spring Festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The first day of the festival is called Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan and the second day is Dhuleti or Holi. Holika Dahan, the death of Holika, the symbol of the triumph of good over evil, is marked by lighting a bonfire and performing a special Puja to burn evil spirits.
