Science Behind Holi: The Festival of Colors

Holi, the festival of Colors, is celebrated in different corners of India on full moon day in the month of Phalgun, which is the month of February/March as per the Gregorian calendar. ‘Holi’ marks the onset of Spring. Throwing of colours to each other is the signature of this festival. Therefore, it is often referred to as the Festival of Colours.

Mythologically, Holi is associated with the legend of the demon King Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlad and sister Holika . Mythology apart, this festival has a great scientific significance behind it. Holi is a science in itself. Let's trace the science behind the festival of Holi.

Holika Dahan, on the other hand, is performed to burn all that is dry and dirty to pave the way for new life in the spring.

Following the tradition when people perform Parikrama (go around the bonfire/pyre), the heat coming from the bonfire kills the bacteria in the body and cleanses it.

In some parts of the country, after Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) people put ash on their forehead and also mix Chandan (paste of sandal wood) with the young leaves and flowers of the Mango tree and consume with a believe that it would promote good health.

This is the time, when people get the feeling of tardiness. This is quite natural for the body to experiences some tardiness because of change in weather from cold to the hot in the atmosphere.

To counter this laziness, people sing Songs (Phag, Jogira etc.) with Dhol, Manjira and other traditional instruments. This helps in rejuvenating the human body. Their physical movement while playing with colors also helps in the process.

The playful pouring and throwing of color powders made from these natural sources has a healing effect on the human body. It has the effect of strengthening the ions in the body and adds health and beauty to it.

Let's explore some of the shades and the natural ingredients that can be used...

Green

Mehendi in its powder form, dried leaves of Gulmohur tree, leaves of spring crops and herbs, rhododendron leaves and pine needles can be used to make green color. Or, you can go healthier and use spinach leaves!

Yellow

Turmeric (Haldi) in its powder or juice from the fresh root, Bael fruit, amaltas, or even gram flour can be used for shades of yellow.

Many flower species are yellow, such as chrysanthemums, marigold, dandelions, sunflowers, daffodils, and dahlias.

Flowers of Tesu tree (Palash) can give you hues of yellow and orange.

Orange

Saffron, barberry, or mixing lime with turmeric powder will give you orange shades.

Another option is to soak mehendi in water which will give you the orange hue.

Red

Rose, dried hibiscus flowers, madder tree, the bark of crab apple trees, and fragrant red sandal wood can be used for reds.

Peels and the seeds of pomegranate, or even radish are a great source of red color.

Red and Violet

Indian berries such as the Barberry, Blueberry, and Wildberry can be made into a paste.

Violet

Of course, the beetroot, is a strong natural dye. Both in its powder form, and the juice mixed with water can be used.

Blue

Indigo, Indian berries, species of grapes, blue hibiscus, and jacaranda flowers could be used in powder, paste, or liquid forms.

Brown

Katha or the catechu, which is an extract of acacia trees, generally used as an ingredient in paan is a brown source.

Red maple trees are also a source for brown color.

Another easily available ingredient is your everyday dried tea leaves or coffee. Feel free to brew some in warm water!

Black

Some species of grapes, and the dried fruit of Gooseberry (Amla) can create a black color.

If the natural ingredients has piqued your interest in Ayurveda, you can learn more about certain plant properties in the exhibit Ayurveda: Indian Contributions to Medicine.

These days, the market is mostly flooded with synthetic colors, which are cheaper.

They usually comprise of toxic components such as lead oxide, diesel, chromium iodine, and copper sulphate which lead to rashes on the skin, allergies, pigmentation, and eye irritation.

Synthetic colors can cause serious skin diseases and clogging of hair cuticles resulting in severe hair damage.

It's safer and healthier to deliberately opt for herbal colors even if it is costly. If demand increases, the cost would naturally come down.

Clothing

What you choose to wear should cover maximum parts of your body. Wear dark colour-full sleeves cotton clothes. Synthetic cloth would be sticky and denims would be heavy once you have a bucket full of colors/water splashed on you.

Keep hydrated with water

Drink plenty of water before you start playing Holi. This will keep your skin hydrated. Also keep sipping water carefully while playing Holi.