Holi, the festival of colours & prosperity, is one of the most revered and celebrated Indian festivals. Holi being the festival of colours is said to bring a lot of positivity and vibrancy. The festival embarks at the beginning of spring and the end of winter. Holi marks an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past.
Benefits Of Holi
The main essence behind every festival is to spread harmony, peace, love and joy. Holi festival is not only the most playful of all other Indian festivals, but it is also rejuvenating for the mind and body and is a great start for the spring season. Holi helps in awakening our senses and gearing up for the scorching sun and its good and bad effects on our being.
- Importance And Benefits Of Colours
The use of colour in Holi trace back to the mythological story of Lord Krishna wherein Bal Krishna complained to mother Yashodha about Radha being fairer as compared to him. Mother Yashodha appeases him by suggesting that Krishna should colour Radha in a colour of his choice. Organic colours used in Holi can be beneficial for one’s wellbeing. The vibrant colours used in the festival helps in initiating an array of feelings and emotions. The colour red helps to maintain a healthy heartbeat and breathing and can also arouse the feeling of love. The yellow colour uplifts the mood and creates happiness around. The colour blue can create a calming effect.
- Colours As Cleansers
Unlike modern times the traditional Holi colours were made from organic components like hibiscus flowers, henna leaves, kesar, sandalwood and more. These natural ingredients are gentle on skin, eyes and hair and also act as a cleanser to the dead skin.
- Holika Dahan Purifies The Space
The festival of Holi lasts for a day and a night, which starts in the evening of Purnima or Full Moon Day. The first evening is celebrated as Holika Dahan or Choti Holi where a bonfire is setup followed by the Holi which is played by colours. As the winter season exposes us to several impurities in the air around us, Holika Dahan symbolises the burning of evil deodorising our environment and purifying us from within.
- Special Holi Energy Drinks
Like any other Indian festival, sweets are an integral part of the celebration. In Holi apart from the sweets, some traditional drinks are widely popular like Thandai and Kaanji. Both of these natural energy drinks act as great coolants and are a great source of anti-oxidants. Thandai, made from milk contains almonds, watermelon seeds, fennel seeds and even rose petals. Kanji on the other hand is a traditional fermented drink that is packed with rich nutrients and fibre.
Conclusion
Festivals are an important part of society and are a source of joy, belongingness and brotherhood. If we are aware and responsible while celebrating the festivals we can benefit not only ourselves but our surroundings too.
