The very thought of celebrating ‘Holi’ – a colorful festival of India brings such enthusiasm and joy to one’s life that it cannot be expressed by mere words. But, if we stop and think, there are many scientific reasons which can be purely magical behind celebrating this highly spirited festival. Come on readers let us explore the scientific reasons behind the celebration of ‘Holi’ – the festival of colors.
First, let us look into the significance of the time on which this joyous festival is enjoyed:
- · We all know, Holi is celebrated during the transition period of winter to spring. This is a period which induces laziness and a feeling of lethargy amongst us. Here comes the bright festival of colors to the rescue. What with foot tapping loud music played along with various musical instruments like Dhol and Manjira, this joyous occasion truly rejuvenates and heightens one’s spirits. I bet all the feeling of lethargy would be gone in minutes after participating in this grand festival.
- · This is also the time when various disease-causing bacteria spread into the atmosphere and try to thrive in our bodies. Holi brings solace to us, in the form of Holika Dahn(bonfire) which puts an end not only to the mythological demons but also to the germs which circulate around us, by raising the surrounding temperature to about 50-60 degree Celsius. A big thumb- up to our forefathers who created such rituals to make this occasion not only enjoyable but also to act as a cover from these disease threatening bacteria.
Next, we will have a quick peep at the significance of colors which almost brings the rainbow down to earth thus painting with joy, the hearts of one and all:
- Have you heard of color therapy which is a good treat to our skin and the colors of Holi does a whole lot of good to rejuvenate our skin? Well, let us see how! Biologists believe that while playing with colors, they enter our skin through pores thus strengthening the ions in our body making it glow. Interesting isn’t it? But a word of caution! Homemade colors are always good for the skin than those bought from the markets. So please be careful before choosing colors to play.
- Well! Talking about colors here are some of the most fantastic ingredients which dry and wet colors can be made from. Haldi, neem and red sandalwood are well known for their medicinal properties and they are an excellent source from which color powders like yellow, green and red can be made from. By the way of tradition orange-yellow colored water is prepared by using tesu and palash flowers for playing Holi, which does a lot of good for our skin.
- Another important aspect where Holi plays an important role in the upkeep of our health is the ash of Holika Dahn. In some places of India, people apply the ash after the bonfire on their forehead and consume a mixture of paste of sandalwood and young mango leaves for their health maintenance.
- Also on the day of Holi people try to cleanse their home to be spic and span so that all pests will be kept away. This helps to not only improve the environment but also to spread positive energy around.
With Holi fast approaching, the knowledge of the science behind Holi will go a long way in appreciating the niceties of the festival and also help us enjoy the grand occasion to the fullest.
Happy Holi!
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