Science behind Holi, the festival of Colours

Holi, the festival of Colours is celebrated in different corners of India with pomp and gaiety on full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar. We all are also aware of the Legend of demon King Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlad and sister Holika. I don’t want to repeat that story. Have you ever thought that there could be any scientific reason behind the festivals we celebrate? Here, I intend to trace the science behind the festival of Holi. Let’s explore-

Holi is played in the Spring Season which is a period between end of winter and advent of summer. We normally go through the transition phase of winter and summer.  The period induces the growth of bacteria in the atmosphere as well as in the body. When Holika is burnt, temperature of the nearby area raises around 50-60 degree Celsius. 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. It is believed to 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 colours also helps in the process.

Why did we get this punishment?

Remember the ‘good’ old Indian school punishments? Holding the earlobes with arms crossed over your chests, bending the knees and then sit and then stand and so on till the time Masterji is saying? If you still cannot figure out the punishment just see this picture.

I hope now you remember. Well, this time the topic is the logic behind this punishment only.

Ever thought why the traditional Indian school teachers would give this particular punishment? I believe even majority of the teachers who grant this punishment to their students do not know the reason behind it. This form of punishment has been in practice in our country since the Gurukul time and was given to the students who were weak in studies. That is a different question if now a days teachers grant this punishment for any mistake and not only for studies but originally it was meant for weak students only.

Talking about the logic behind this punishment, it is very interesting to know that this particular posture increases the blood flow in the memory cells in brain and synchronizes the right and left side of the brain to improve function and promote calmness, stimulates neural pathways via acupressure points in the earlobe, sharpens intelligence and also helps those with autism, asperger’s syndrome, learning difficulties and behavioural problems. This has been proven scientifically and you can find scores of links on Google uncle in support,

So, see how helpful this posture is for everyone. Probably this was the reason why our ancestors developed this punishment for us. In the name of punishment they were actually helping out the weak students only.

Probably we have forgotten this ancient method of increasing memory power but the West is now using is very diligently and they are recommending this posture or exercise to treat many a diseases. 

START ALWAYS WITH SPICY FOOD AND END YOUR MEAL WITH SWEETS

Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.

The act of putting water around the plate

As we know water acts as a repellent to many tiny creatures that roam on the floor seen and unseen, hence the circle of water stops them to approach the plate when kept on the floor also they are attracted towards the part of food kept outside the plate making it safe to consume the food. This practice is redundant while eating on dining table which is presumable cleaner than the floor. Those who still practice it on table are just following tradition without knowing the meaning behind it.

Why Fasting?

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy.

Mango and Neem Leaves to the doors on auspicious days

     On auspicious days and on special occasions, all of us gather at one place along with our relatives and friends. Photosynthesis is a process where in plants take in carbon-di-oxide and give out oxygen. This process helps in circulation of oxygen and in turn keeps the room temperature at an optimum level. Mango leaves and neem leaves are very effective in the photosynthesis process comparative to other plants. Neem leaves purify the bacteria too. In order to keep the temperature cool and to circulate air, we tie mango leaves and neem leaves to all the doors.

Throwing Currency Coins into a River

In the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very

useful to the human body. The intake of copper with water is very good for health. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water. Rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom by saying it will bring good fortune to us has ensured that all of us follow the good practice.

Why do elders rotate crystal salt, lemon around head?

Salt can be considered as the first antibiotic. Not only that, the salty and acidic substances would less affect the magnetic field. Keeping these properties if lemon and salt in mind, we revolve salt and lemon around the person.The salt and lemon when revolved around, it would kill all the bacteria around the person. It forms an aura layer of antibiotics around the person. Not only has this, revolving around the person balance the magnetic field too. This would make the person affected with drastic feel better.

DO NOT TAKE BATH IMMEDIATELY AFTER EATING

If a person is immediately taking bath after a meal, the digestion process gets slowed down by a great deal as cold water activates certain chemicals in the body that rushes the blood to the skin to keep it warm and the digestion process takes a backseat. So, it was always advised by our ancestors to take food after having a bath. ie Bath will increase blood flow to the hands, feet and body that causes the amount of blood around the stomach will continue to decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

Lighting Camphor In Front Of Idol – Sight Sense Activated

The inner core of the temple is usually dark where the idol is placed. You usually close your eyes to pray and when you open your eyes you should see the camphor which was lit to do the Aarthi in front of the idol. This light seen inside the dark activates your sight sense.

The other reason of lighting camphor is for the idol to absorb the heat and vibrate within the Garbhagudi for certain period.

REASON BEHIND LEAVING FOOTWEAR OUTSIDE TEMPLE

 Removing Your Footwear Before Entering Temple

Temples are the place that contains pure vibrations of magnetic and electric fields with positive energy. In olden days, temples were built in such a way that the floor at the center

of the temple were good conductors of these positive vibrations allowing them to pass through our feet to the body. Hence it is necessary to walk bare footed while you enter the core center of the temple.

Another known reason is shoes and chappal are used everywhere hence they tend to get all the impurities like dirt, germs etc which spoil the pure environment of the temple and is the source of negative energy.