We need to thank our forefathers who started the trend of celebrating Holi at such a scientifically accurate time, also for incorporating so much fun in the festival. In India, spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. Thus, the playful throwing of natural colored powders has a medicinal significance: the colors are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi (Tumeric), Bilva, Red Sandlowood powder and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors.

Haldi, Red sandlowood and Neem are used to make face packs in India. Traditionally, the dry colors used in Holi were prepared from Tesu or Palash flowers, which are first gathered from the trees, dried in the sun, and then ground up, and later mixed with water to produce orange-yellow coloured water. For wet colours, traditional flowers of Palash are boiled and soaked in water over night to produced yellow coloured water, which also had medicinal properties. Tesu colors help in improving the skin complexion, and makes the skin smooth. Legends say Lords Krishna use to play holi with Tesu flower colors.

There’s another interesting reason. By playing Holi one can increase his bodily capacity to withstand the scorching heat of the summer. Holi marks the end of winter. In winter the body experiences tardiness and people tend to get lazy. Holi is like a siren to get up from this laziness and brisk the movements for summer. Holi rejuvenates the human body. The dance performances and the music played during the festival rejuvenate the mind and soul.

Then there is Holika Dahan – which is another reason to play Holi. The mutation period of winter and spring, induces bacteria in the air and in the body too. So when Holika is burnt, temperature rises to about 145 degrees. And when people perform Parikrima – (making circles around the fire), the heat from the fire kills bacteria in the air as well as their bodies thus cleansing it.

During Holi, it is a custom for us to clean our house and remove clutter, thereby ensuring flow of positive energy. Therefore, it can be said that apart from rejuvenating the social ties, Holi provides a wonderful opportunity to let loose all the tension and de-stress the mind.

Author: Piyush Maheshwary