THE SCIENCE OF FESTIVALS: Holi

HOLI: THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS, FUN, CELEBRATIONS, AND SWEETS, NOT FORGETTING THE WATER FIGHTS AND THANDAI TREATS… !!!

EACH OF OUR FESTIVALS HAS MUCH MORE SCIENCE TO IT THAN WE KNOW OF… LET’S START WITH A FEW SUCH FACTS ABOUT HOLI.

  1. Time of the year: When the seasons are changing from cold to hot, spring to summer, we tend to feel uneasy, challenging to absorb the day heat while the nights are still cold. The mutation period of winter and spring induces the growth of bacteria in the atmosphere as well as in the body. It is natural for the body to experience some tardiness due to this change.

    When Holika is burnt, the temperature rises to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Following the tradition when people perform Parikrama (going around) the fire, the heat from the fire kills the bacteria in the body thus, cleansing it.
  2. Impact of colors: Biologists believe that the Gulaal or Abeer (natural flower powder) when used dry or with water penetrates the body and enters into the pores.
    The added herbs in water have antibacterial, insecticidal properties, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-allergic, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial properties.
    The water, infused with quantum healing herbs converts into negative ions when atomized through a spray nozzle. It has the effect of strengthening the ions in the body and adds health and beauty to it.

    Western-Physicians and doctors also believe that for a healthy body, colors have an important place besides the other vital elements. Deficiency of a particular color in our body causes ailment, which can be cured only after supplementing the body with that particular color.
  3. Holika fire ash and Sandalwood Prasadam: In the states of Southern India, the day after the burning of Holika people put ash (Vibhuti) on their foreheads. They also mix Chandan (sandalwood) paste with the young leaves and flowers of the Mango tree and consume it on the day of the Holi festival to promote good health.
  4. Thandai drink: It’s a popular drink during the Holi festival, with amazing health benefits. Due to the presence of fennel and watermelon seeds and rosewater, thandai is a coolant like no other. But the health benefits of the drink go far beyond its cooling properties. It benefits digestion, and energy levels and strengthens immunity, read more at NDTV Health.

There is so much to read and learn about our festivals and their rituals that have benefits for the individual as well as societal health, only if we ask the right questions and know the rationale.So go ahead and enjoy this amazing festival, with your friends and family!!

INTERESTED IN READING MORE?

  • Holi traditions to holi sweets, this website has it all.
  • Find some more scientific & spiritual facts here.

Also read: New Year – around the world

Team Atharvan

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