Holi 2027
Holi, or Fagu Purnima, is the spring festival of colour: powder and water, songs and sweets, and the story of good winning over evil.
Date confirmed each year from the Nepal government calendar.
Holi usually falls late February to March (Falgun) and lasts 1 to 2 days, with about a week of build-up in the Kathmandu Valley. We add the 2027 dates here once they are published.
Holi gatherings across the USA
No Holi gatherings listed yet. Events are added as members and partners join.
What Holi is
Holi, called Fagu Purnima in Nepali, is the festival of colour that welcomes spring. It falls on the full moon of Falgun. The story most often told is of Prahlad and Holika: Prahlad's devotion to Vishnu kept him safe from the fire that burned his aunt Holika instead. It is read as the victory of good over evil, and in many communities a bonfire the night before recalls it.
Over the years it has become mostly a festival of play. For many people who grew up with it, Holi is the day adults are allowed to behave like children.
Common questions
- Holi kahile ho? When is Holi 2027?
- Holi usually falls late February to March. Date confirmed each year from the Nepal government calendar; this page is updated once the 2027 dates are published.
- Why is Holi on two days in Nepal?
- The hills and mountains keep Holi on the full moon day, and the Terai keeps it the day after, so you may see events on both.
- What is Fagu Purnima?
- It is the Nepali name for Holi. Fagu is the name of the festival and purnima is the full moon it falls on.
- What colours are safe to play with?
- Choose colours sold as skin-safe or non-toxic, keep them out of eyes and mouths, and rinse off afterwards. If anyone prefers not to be coloured, respect that.
More in the Holi explainer.