India is known as one of the most cultural and diverse country in the world. One such festival celebrated in India is “Holi.” When we hear the word “Holi,” People often associate it with “Colors, Love and Spring.”
It is one of oldest festivals celebrated by Hindus in India. It is also called as “The Festival of Colors.” It has a beautiful side but like every other thing in the world it also has an ugly side that people need to be aware and take necessary actions for it.
THE BEAUTIFUL SIDE OF HOLI (PROS):
“Holi” celebrates “The Eternal and Spiritual Love of Lord Krishna and Radha.” Lord Krishna was fascinated by the idea of smearing colors on Radha’s face, changing her skin color and so the festival is celebrated with colors. It is one of the most loved festivals celebrated in India by everyone.
Holi is a festival that celebrates new beginnings, hope, unity, love and much more. Due to COVID, Social interaction is reduced and limited among people. Festivals like Holi helps in bringing people like family, friends, strangers together and anyone can celebrate Holi without any judgement. There is no religion, caste or race and thus helps in uniting and bringing people together.
Scientifically, there is a connection between colors and our brain. The different colors have a great impact on our sensory system. An article published by Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences proves that “Colors like blue and green stimulates and increases the concentration level of Dopamine” which is called as the “Happy Hormone.” The Brain is stimulated by colors which in turn helps to reduce social anxiety, stress releasing hormones, stabilizes mood and enhances our sensory functions.
As time goes on, People start to understand the importance of using quality colors like, Organic and Natural colors instead of Artificial and Harmful colors. Organic colors are preferred more now as they are less harmful and non-toxic to living beings and the environment. It is a good initiative as there is no harm and trouble for others. These are some of the beautiful and positive sides of the festival “Holi.”
THE UGLY SIDE OF HOLI (CONS):
Holi also has an ugly side that everyone is not aware of. While, People are starting to use Organic and Natural colors, The Majority of the Population are still using Artificial and Harmful colors without even knowing the harmful effects it has on the environment because of the lack of awareness and no proper education is given regarding the topic.
The Harmful colors in the Artificial colors can cause a lot of physical issues on living beings. It can cause skin issues in human like dry skin, rashes, flaring of eczema, itching, inflammation particularly for people with sensitive skin. It can also cause physiological reactions like red eye, Asthma, Allergy and Respiratory infections.
It is also not good for animals. A lot of humans apply colors on animals without even knowing the harmful effects it has on their body. It can cause Respiratory discomfort and Blindness also. Consummation of these Artificial colors which contain harmful chemicals like Ammonia and Hydrogen Peroxide can cause several physiological issues like Stomach or Gastrointestinal Issues.
Water is one of the main things used in Holi apart from the colors. An estimated of 30 liters is wasted per person during Holi which is more than the Daily Capita laid down by WHO. The Water is polluted with harmful colors which can cause “Water Pollution” and make it hard for the living organisms to live and use it.
There is a huge wastage of water during the festival time which can further lead to water scarcity and drought later. Air is also polluted due to the various chemicals present in the Artificial colors which leads to poor air quality and becomes hazardous to breathe. The Artificial Colors have harmful chemicals like Ammonia, Hydrogen Peroxide, Lead Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Acids, and many more which is not good for the soil.
It can lead to Soil Erosion, Accelerated Aging of Soil, Less Fertility and Degradation of The Soil which in turns affect the Vegetation, Habitation of Micro-Organisms, and Other Living Beings dependent on it.
During the Holi festival, another important factor is the “Human Factor.” The Human Behavior might also be another disadvantage as some people might get Hyper and Rash during the festival or due to being drunk which is a common thing in the festival.
They might act aggressive; violate other people’s space and they do not ask consent before applying colors or forcing someone to join the games even if the person is reluctant or injure someone while playing without even knowing.
SUMMARY:
“Holi” is a “beautiful, colorful and fun festival.” It is only enjoyable when it is in limits without harming other living beings and taking care of the environment. We, as people must balance it by being responsible and having fun at the same time.
Festivals are celebrated to bring people in the world together but not at the expense of exploiting the environment we live in which can cause a permanent damage to the future of the planet.
By: Hajra A
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