One of the most important festivals of India, Holi festival is the symptoms of colors of happiness. Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar.
Holi festival may be celebrated known in different names among people of various states and would be following different rituals & traditions. But, what makes Holi so unique and special is the spirit and enthusiasm of it which remains the same throughout the country and even across the globe, wherever it is celebrated.
Traditional Background:
This festival celebrates the arrival of spring on Fagun sud Purnima. Also known as Falgunika, people celebrate the changing season and the beauty associated with spring blossoms by spraying color.
In the Gita (10/35), Shri Krishna proclaims spring as the foremost season and one of his Vibhutis -forms: Rutunaam kusumaakaraha
The ritual of offering roasted grain to Agni - fire-deity is known as Navaanineshti. In Sanskrit, roasted grain is Holaakaa, from which the Hindi 'Holi' is derived. Since Vedic times people availed the newly harvested grain only after offering to the devas. This offering of new grain is Holi.
The Bhavishyottara Puran associates Holi both with man and yagna. Therefore the yagna performed for man's salvation is Holi.
Eco Friendly/Safe Holi
In an ideal world, the joyous celebration of Holi is meant to celebrate the arrival of Spring while the colors used in Holi are to reflect of the various hues of spring season. But unfortunately, in modern times Holi does not stand for all things beautiful. Like various other festivals, Holi too has become ruthlessly commercialized, boisterous and yet another source of environmental degradation and health problem.
Toxic Elements/Chemical in Holi Colors:
According to many research and previous studies related on Holi color products, the pastes contain very toxic chemicals/elements that can have severe health effects.
Few examples of color and the chemical content with their few health effects on human and environment :
Color | Chemical | Health Effects | Environmental Effects |
Red | Mercury Sulphite | Highly toxic can cause skin cancer, Allergic reactions, resulting in skin rashes | Causes Water, Soil Pollution-Lead & Mercury effects water organisms by entering the food chain and also plants may be effected and act as carriers of Lead & Mercury poisoning to man. |
Yellow | Lead Chromate | Decrease IQ level, Effects Nervous System | |
Black | Lead oxide | Low IQ, Renal Failure, Mental Retardness. | |
Green | Copper Sulphate | Eye Allergy, Puffiness and temporary blindness | |
Blue | Prussian Blue | Contract Dermatitis | |
Silver | Aluminium Bromide | Carcinogenic, Skin irritation |
Harmful Chemicals in Gulal & Harms of Wet Holi Colors
The dry colors, commonly known as gulals, have two components a colorant that is toxic and a base which could be either asbestos or silica, both of which cause health problems. Heavy metals contained in the colorants can cause asthma, skin diseases and adversely affect the eyes.
Wet colors, mostly use Gentian violet as a color concentrate which can cause skin discoloration and dermatitis.
These days, Holi colors are sold loosely, in the market and traders are also unaware about source of the holi color products as it comes from a group of networked people/sellers exchanging hand to hand from different parts of the country. In few instants, the colors comes wrapped that specifically say for industrial purpose/use or without any origin/manufacture details.
Make your own Holi colors
Holi festival lovers will be thrilled to know that it is possible to make simple natural colors in one's own kitchen. Here are some very simple recipes to make natural colors:
Color | Preparation |
Yellow | 1) Mix turmeric (haldi) powder with chick pea flour (besan). 2) Boil Marigold or Tesu flowers in water. |
Yellow liquid Color | Use pomegranate (Anar) –soak overnight. |
Brownish/Red Color | Use Tamarind-soak it overnight/early morning |
Orange - red paste | Henna leaves (mehndi) can be dried, powdered and mixed with water. |
Safe-Guarding Water:
In the current scenario, when India and rest of the world is facing acute water shortage, the water wastage in the name of Holi at the extreme, is also being unjusticable. It is usual or general using buckets of water during Holi but please keep in mind that you are not only wasting water resource but also polluting it the water with harmful and toxic chemicals. If a single person uses 2 liter of water on Holi on splashing/playing just imagine the number of liters of water used across India with a 1.15 billion population approximately.
So, make sure we don’t waste and pollute water which is most needed for our coming generations too.
Important aspect to make it a Holy Festival:
- Use homemade natural and safe colors-Learn the art of preparing the colors yourself and enjoy teaching your younger’s and your neighbors too.
- Use natural, skin-friendly and herbal colors or the ones made by reputed companies using natural products.
- If you opt to buy/purchase colors commercially be sure to purchase naturally made products from reputed companies also ensure about the source.
- Apply a nice layer of oil to your hair before playing Holi so that residue from the dyes does not get stuck to your hair and scalp.
- Ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times. Wash with plenty of clean water should any color get into your eyes accidentally. See a doctor if the irritation still persists.
- If you are playing Holi, apply a thick layer of coconut or any oil on your body and hair until they glisten and you become slippery.
- Wear dental caps if possible to protect your teeth.
- Avoid flashing on face and as well protect your face from the Holi colors.
- Wear clothes at the maximum to cover your body.
- Apply an oil/cream of good quality to protect your skin.
HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE HOLI
Take Care,
Vinay Kumar.C
Take Care,
Vinay Kumar.C
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