SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/sunday-magazine

apply any colour of his choice on Radha's face. This festival is celebrated remembering this incident, and the divine love between Radha and Krishna. Shri Krishna popularized the festival in Braj where he applied colour on Radha and the gopis using water jets called pichkaris. HOLI CELEBRATIONS The celebrations gained acceptance and popularity. Slowly, the use of col- ors and pichkaris in Holi became rampant. This pastime is wonderfully brought alive each year all over India. In fact, the entire country is drenched in coloured water for Holi. On the day of Holi, people enjoy throwing colours on each other. People play Holi with great elation and spray coloured water A worldwide festival Now everywhere. People usually wear white garments on this day. Many sweets are prepared and exchanged. Traditionally, Holi colours were derived from natural sources and are either particulate powders or liquid splashes. In ancient times, when people started playing Holi, the colours used by them were made from plants like Neem, Haldi, Bilva, Palash etc. The colours with which Holi is celebrated denotes the various facets of life, moods, emotions, situations, attachments and aversions, spiritual knowledge, seasons and nature. Within India itself, Holi is celebrated in different ways in different states: the Rang Panchmi in Uttar Pradesh, the Lath-Maar Holi in Barsana and Vrindavan, Ukkuli in the Konkan region, Manjal Kuli in Kerala, Shimga in Maharashtra, Shigmo in Goa, Dola in Odisha, Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima in West Bengal, Kumaoni Holi in Uttarakhand and many other different forms throughout India. In Vrindaban and Mathura, where Shri Krishna grew up, the festival is celebrated for sixteen days, as each major temple organizes a Holi celebra- tion on a different day. Over the years it has transcended geographical barri- ers and is now celebrated with pomp and show in countries like the USA, the UK, South Africa, Malaysia, Fiji and several others that house a significantly large Indian population. The Holi celebrations in Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Fiji, more popularly known as Phagwah, are just as extravagant as those in India. This festival was brought to Guyana by our East Indian fore parents who first came to Guyana some 176 years ago. In Guyana, Holi begins a month ahead of time, as Hindus plant castor oil plants ready to burn a month later in the image of Holika. On the first day of Holi in Nepal, a ceremonial bamboo pole called a 'chir' is erected. Strips of clothing are tied to the pole as good luck charms, and it is left up until the end of the festivities where it is added to a bonfire. Hindus in Pakistan too celebrate Holi much like the Hindus of India. Pakistan has a historical connection with Holi festival too. Prahladpuri Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Multan (now in Pakistan), ear- lier known as Kashyapapur. It is named after Prahlada and dedicated to Lord Narasimha. The temple of Prahladpuri is said to have been built by Prahlada Maharaj in honor of Lord Narasimha. Rahul Dogra face of severe opposition from his father, Prahlad was always absorbed in Holi in the United States is a social event, the most popular celebrations devotion to Lord Vishnu and he always spoke about God. Hiranyakashipu being the NYC Holi in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and at Radha Krishna India is a kaleidoscope of cultures which includes umpteen was not happy with his behaviour so he adopted different means to kill Temple in Utah. A variety of Holi inspired events are held particularly in the variations in food, clothing, language, music and religious Prahlad but failed every time. US and Europe: "The Colour Run", "Festival of Colours Tour" and "Holi One" beliefs. Among the various festivals of India, Holi is an ancient Finally, Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika's help was taken. Holika had a to name a few. Hindu celebration, which is also referred to as the 'Festival of boon, whereby she could not be burnt by fire. She took Prahlad in her lap and To further enhance the festive spirit of Holi celebrations, people dance to Spring', 'Festival of Colours' and 'Festival of Love'. It is surely sat in a blazing fire. Prahlad kept chanting the name of Lord Vishnu and the rhythm of the dholak and sing traditional folk songs in the loudest possi- one of the most vibrant and fun-filled festivals of India. It is ble pitch. Children particularly enjoy the festival as they throw water-filled unmatched in terms of fervor, family participation, excitement remained unharmed, while Holika got burnt. Thus, Holi derives its name from balloons. In the midst of these colouring games, mouth watering Holi spe- and enthusiasm. It is celebrated at the end of the winter season, Holika, and celebrates the protection that God granted to his pure devotee. cialties like bhujiya, malpua, matthi, puran puri, dahi bada, etc and downed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalgun Later, Lord Vishnu appeared as Narasingh, having the body of man and (February - March). the face of a lion (He was neither man nor animal). He killed Hiranyakashipu with glasses full of thandai. at the doorway to his house (which was neither inside nor outside the house), After a vibrant and eventful day, evenings are spent visiting friends and ORIGIN at twilight (which was neither day nor night), and by placing him on his lap relatives. People exchange sweets and hug each other conveying warm good Most of the people know the historical story associated with Holi so I will (which was neither sky nor earth). wishes for Holi. It is an occasion to renew ruptured relationships and absolve cover the story of "Holika Dahan" in brief here. The demon king So, every year, Hindus light a Holi bonfire and burn old and futile things, oneself of all the wrongdoings and emotional impurities of the past. Hiranyakashipu performed penance for a long time and got a boon from just as Holika was burnt a night before Holi. But what makes Holi really unique, aside from having a very special sig- Lord Brahma that he should not be killed under any of the following condi- Celebrations and Colours nificance and style of celebration, is the fact that in spite of it being a Hindu tions: in the day or night, inside the house or outside the house, by a man or Holi figures prominently in the leelas (divine pastimes) of Shri Krishna. festival, it is celebrated by people of all religions with the same enthusiasm - an animal, in the sky or on earth. As a child, Shri Krishna was very playful and mischievous. He often com- perfectly symbolizing India's Unity in Diversity. That's why it is not only a Hiranyakashipu's son Prahlad was a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu. In the plained to Yashoda Maiya (his mother) about the difference between his dark festival of colours, but also a festival of unity and friendship. skin and Radha's fair complexion. To appease him, his mother asked him to Play a safe HOLI The best way to ‘enjoy’ Holi is to be at home, eat your favourite dishes and spend time with your close family members maintaining cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene. Shahnaz Husain To make your own cleanser, take half a cup of cold milk and add one teaspoon of any vegetable oil, like “til,” olive or sunflower oil. Holi "holiday of colours,” is here again .The annual Traditional Mix well. Dip cotton wool into this mixture and use it to cleanse the Hindu festival which marks onset of spring season will be celebrat- skin. ed across India amid the coronavirus scare for the second succes- Sesame seed (til) oil can be used to remove colours from the sive year. body, massaging it on the skin. This not only helps to remove the . Traditionally spring flowers ,berries, spices and other plants colours, but gives added protection to the skin. Sesame seed (til) oil were used as source of Holi Colours for Gulal and wet colours like actually helps to counteract sun-damage. While bathing, scrub the hibiscus flowers for red ,heena for green and turmeric powder was body gently with a loofah or wash cloth. Immediately after your used for yellow colours . Recently during last few years expensive bath, apply a moisturizer on the face and body, while the skin is artificial bright and vibrant colours of Holi have started making still damp. This helps to seal in moisture. their way into markets which contain chemical solvents and toxic If there is itching, add two tablespoons vinegar to a mug of agents like lead oxide,murcury sulphite and copper sulphate etc water and use it as a last rinse. This helps to reduce itching. which may damage eyes, skin and lungs. However, if the itching continues, and there is rash and redness, But again all of us love the carnival of colours.. Holi without there may be an allergic reaction to the colour. Consult a doctor as colored water ( pichkari) water balloons ,colours, dye, etc., is just soon as possible. no fun. You can enjoy fun and frolic of the festival by playing with While washing the hair, first rinse with plenty of plain water to organic,home made colours available in Markets at comparatively wash away the dry colours and tiny particles of mica. Then apply a higher rates . mild herbal shampoo, working it into the hair with the fingers. You can also take some ways to prevent your skin, hair from Massage the scalp gently and rinse thoroughly with water again. getting damaged and color your spirits with joy, play and laugh- Beer can be used as a last rinse. In fact, it will soften and condi- ter. The dry “Gulal” and the wet colours of today are not derived tion the hair. Add the juice of a lemon to the beer. Pour over the from natural sources. They contain chemicals, shiny particles of hair after shampoo. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse off with mica and even lead, which not only irritate the skin, but collect on plain water. the scalp. Since Holi is played out of doors, sun-exposure can have The day after holi, mix two tablespoons honey with half a cup of a detrimental effect on the skin. Apart from harmful UV radiation, curd. Add a pinch of turmeric. Apply this on the face, neck and sun-exposure makes the skin dry by causing depletion of moisture arms. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with water. Helps to and also tans the skin. The skin can become dry and dull after play- remove tan and soften the skin. ing holi. Remember to apply a sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in Within the next few days give your hair a nourishing treatment. the sun. Use a sunscreen of SPF 20 and above. If your skin is prone Mix one tablespoon pure coconut oil with one teaspoon castor oil. to pigmented patches, select a higher SPF. Most sunscreens have Heat and apply on the hair. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze built-in moisturizers. If your skin is very dry, first apply the sun- out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a tur- screen, wait for a few minutes and then apply a moisturizer. Apply ban. Keep it on for 5 minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap 3 or 4 moisturising lotion or cream on the arms and exposed areas. times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Wash Apply leave-on conditioner or hair serum on hair before playing your hair after an hour. holi. This protects the hair from the effects of sun exposure and The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has brought the dryness caused by colours. Hair Cream containing sunscreen is world to a halt. Various State Government has already put reason- also available. Take very little, spread on both palms and massage able restrictions relating to festival rituals. light into the hair, or smooth palms over the hair. Or, apply pure Please celebrate this festival with full zeal and enthusiasm with coconut oil and massage it lightly into the hair. This also provides your family members in your home taking precautionary meas- protection against colours. ures. Avoid public places including public roads, parks, society Apply transparent nail varnish on the nails. This helps to pro- lawns,holi milan gatherings, pool parties and mass gatherings etc . tect the nails from absorbing holi colours. The best way to ‘enjoy’ Holi is to be at home, eat your favourite The real problem is removal of colours after playing holi. Rinse dishes and spend time with your close family members maintain- the face with plenty of plain water and then use a cleansing cream, ing cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene. or lotion. Apply and massage it on the face. Then wipe off with A person who might have symptoms of flu should avoid Holi moist cotton wool. Remember to cleanse the area around the eyes gatherings in any case because being drenched or exposure to dry too, using a light touch. A cleansing gel helps to dissolve the colours can exacerbate symptoms. colours and facilitates their removal. (The author is a beauty expert)