'Nagabhushanam' Wishes You  on the eve of "HOLI"

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Holi : Rang Barse

A song by Amitabh Bachan

Harmful Chemicals in Gulal

The dry colours, commonly known as gulals, have two components – a colourant that is toxic and a base which could be either asbestos or silica, both of which cause health problems. Heavy metals contained in the colourants can cause asthma, skin diseases and adversely affect the eyes

Harms of Wet Holi Colors

Wet colours, mostly use Gentian violet as a colour concentrate which can cause skin dis-colouration and dermatitis.

These days, Holi colours are sold loosely, on the roads, by small traders who often do not know the source. Sometimes, the colours come in boxes that specifically say ‘For industrial use only’.

Harmful Chemicals in Holi Paste type colors

Color

Chemical

Health Effects

Black

Lead oxide

Renal Failure

Green

Copper Sulphate

Eye Allergy, Puffiness and temporary blindness

Silver

Aluminium Bromide

Carcinogenic

Blue

Prussian Blue

Contract Dermatitis

Red

Mercury Sulphite

Highly toxic can cause skin cancer

HOLI

Holi is the most vibrant Indian festival, when distinctions of caste, class, age or gender are set to one side. Hindus have fun by smearing each other with paint and throwing coloured water at each other, all done in a spirit of celebration. White clothes are worn, which makes the paint more obvious. Bonfires are lit and parents make sure they carry their babies to protect them from any demons.

Some believe the origin of the festival lies with Krishna who was very mischievous as a young boy and threw coloured water over the gopis (milkmaids) with whom he is believed to have grown up. This developed into the practical jokes and games of Holi.

The legend of Prahlad and Holika is also connected with Holi. Prahlad was the son of King Hiranyakashyapu. The king wanted everyone in his kingdom to worship him. However his son, Prahlad refused to and worshipped Lord Vishnu instead.

The king's sister Holika, who was supposed to be immune to fire, tricked her nephew Prahlad into sitting on her lap in a bonfire in order to destroy him. However, because she was using her powers for evil, the plan failed and Prahlad emerged from the fire unharmed, while his aunt was devoured by the flames.

This event is seen to symbolise good overcoming evil and is why traditionally bonfires are lit at Holi. In some parts of India effigies of Holika are burnt on the fire. Ashes from Holi bonfires are thought to bring good luck.