India is a
land of cultures and values wherein human life is woven with the pearls of
festivals around the year for smooth, pleasant and recreational life. Holi is
one of the festivals which is directly linked to environmental science,
naturopathy and medication.
This
festival of colours enters the cycle of seasons with winter fading and summer
beginning to knock at the doors. Holi is a science in itself. Such a
celebration makes the environment safe and habitable, reeking of a life style.
In older
times or even now also, those people not taking a bath regularly during winter
often develop some skin eruptions leading to even severe infections. Also
unwanted particle accumulations on the human body happen. This needs rinsing
out.
Allopathic
treatment could be hard on the pocket besides being prone to side effects. So
people prefer naturopathy involving mud or turmeric therapy. Also mud therapy
is one of the best practice in yoga culture of curing diseases. It is
flourishing now even in urban areas.
Naturopathy
is more encouraged now in view of several side effects of allopathic medicines.
Holi is said to be a preventive approach preparing the human body to be ready
for exposure of harmful UV sunrays during summers.
The science
of using natural colours like turmeric is to cleanse the body and remove
unwanted accumulation on the skin. Turmeric is proved to have medicinal value
more particularly for human skin.
However, being ignorant of the sensitivity and
objective of Holi, many people use chemicals or chemically made colours to
smear on the facial skin of their loved ones. This needs a check. We can't
think of our relatives of being badly affected by our ignorance while
celebrating a festival.
There should
be a motive behind every celebration. What needs to be taken into account is
the philosophy, reasoning, rationality and responsibility behind a fest like
Holi. On mythological perspective, Holika Dahan is a replica of burning the
devil. It is a celebration of the safety of Prahlad, a devotee to God over the
death of Holika, the devil.
Holi ensures
cleanliness and sanitation around the human inhabitation. Bonfire is the
aftermath of sanitation drive. The day follows for a cleansing body.
The science
cannot be linked to any religion but it is for the sake of mankind. Many
foreigners throng India not only to see it but to actively participate in such
pious and scientific festival of this great country.
Society must
reek of collectivism and democratic understanding. Living together and having a
bonding relationship for humanity should, of course, be the objective.
Holi
imports a lot in bringing people together as one cannot play and enjoy it
alone. It has democratic values. It renews relationships. It gives a scope of
reunions."Bura naa maano Holi hai" is often echoed and enchanted
which clearly suggests a message to bury the differences of past and look
forward to amity and cordiality.