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| Image source: Hiims.in |
As soon as March approaches, the enthusiasm for Holi begins to mount. This festival of colours fills people with immense happiness and joy.
All wait impatiently to celebrate it with happiness. People gather, colour each other, laugh, and experience festive moments together.
Holi is not merely about colour; it's a season of love, positivity, and being together.
The atmosphere is loaded with laughter, music, and festive spirit; hence, it is one of the year's most happening and lively festivals.
But synthetic colours added with chemicals are gaining popularity, so adopting Playing Holi the Ayurvedic Way is critical for a healthy and balanced experience.
But synthetic colours added with chemicals are gaining popularity, so adopting Playing Holi the Ayurvedic Way is critical for a healthy and balanced experience.
According to Ayurveda, use only natural, skin-friendly options so that your skin and overall body stay in equilibrium and radiance.
In this blog, let us discuss the Ayurvedic value of Holi, the significance of Skin-friendly Holi colour, post-Holi detox practice, and preserving Vata-Pitta-Kapha balance while playing Holi.
In this blog, let us discuss the Ayurvedic value of Holi, the significance of Skin-friendly Holi colour, post-Holi detox practice, and preserving Vata-Pitta-Kapha balance while playing Holi.
Ayurvedic Significance of Holi
Holi is not only about colours; it marks the triumph of good over evil and the transition of spring over winter.Ayurveda calls this time essential to cleanse the body and mind.
The use of colours resonates with old-world rituals that promote happiness, social togetherness, and renewal of seasons.
Playing Holi the Ayurvedic Way lets you pay tribute to these rituals while keeping your body and mind well.
Spring is a season of transformation in Ayurveda. With the onset of winter, the toxins (Ama) that have built up must be cleansed from the body to make way for the warmer season.
Spring is a season of transformation in Ayurveda. With the onset of winter, the toxins (Ama) that have built up must be cleansed from the body to make way for the warmer season.
The ancient bonfire of Holika Dahan, which is done on the night before Holi, is a symbol of cleansing.
The heat from the fire is said to help kill microbes and toxic bacteria, making way for a healthier spring.
Skin-Friendly Holi Colors
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| image credit bluenectar |
The body's largest organ is the skin, which must be protected from toxic chemicals.
The traditional way of celebrating Holi was through Skin-friendly Holi colors obtained from natural resources like turmeric, neem, sandalwood, hibiscus, and beetroot.
They impart bright colours and have medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities. Using Ayurvedic colours will keep your skin healthy and irritation-free.
With herbal colours, allergies, dryness, and rashes are prevented. Synthetic colours with chemicals have toxic matter such as lead, mercury, and chemical dyes that cause skin diseases and breathing problems.
If your skin is dry and you want to keep it glowing, then you can read my another article on ayurvedic face serum for dry skin.
Health Problems Caused by Common Synthetic Colours
According to studies, Holi colours can also damage internal organs like the kidney and liver.The study says that the colours sold in the local market often contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals such as lead (Pb), which potentially cause moderate to severe health problems.
Among all heavy metals found in Holi colours, Lead is the most dangerous. It can affect the nervous system, kidneys and the reproductive system.
According to National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), each synthetic holi color can cause various health issues.
Did You Know
"Holi colours can trigger asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
According to National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), each synthetic holi color can cause various health issues.
Some of the commonly used colors in Holi and their side effects
- Green colour might contain copper sulphate, leading to eye allergy and temporary blindness.
- Red, the most used colour in Holi, might contain mercury sulphide that can lead to skin cancer, mental retardation, impaired vision and paralysis.
- Purple colour may contain chromium Iodide, which can cause health issues like bronchial asthma, allergies, etc
- Silver colour might have aluminium bromide, which is carcinogenic.
- The blue colour might have Prussian blue, which can cause dermatitis issues
- Black colour, mainly used in holi colour, might contain lead oxide, which can lead to renal failure.
Why Organic Holi Colors Matter
As mentioned above, most contemporary synthetic colours contain heavy metals, lead, and artificial colourants that cause allergies, rashes, and long-term health issues.Using organic, plant-based colours is in keeping with Playing Holi the Ayurvedic Way, keeping your skin, hair, and respiratory system safe.
You can even prepare colours at home:
Yellow: Mix turmeric with gram flour.Red: Dry and powdered hibiscus flowers.
Green: Crush fresh neem leaves.
Blue: Use dried jacaranda flowers.
These natural colours not only protect you but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
Healing Rituals of Holi
Ayurveda promotes certain healing rituals during Holi to restore the doshas of the body. These are:Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Massage your skin with coconut or sesame oil before going out. This forms a protective layer and prevents colours from penetrating the skin.
Herbal Drinks: Drinking Ayurvedic beverages such as thandai, which contains saffron, almonds, and fennel, cools the body and maintains Vata-Pitta-Kapha balance during Holi.
Pranayama & Meditation: Holi excitement might lead to energy imbalance; controlled breathing techniques are essential to sustain emotional balance.
Furthermore, offering medicinal herbs for the Holika Dahan can detoxify the atmosphere with its natural disinfectant quality.
People can add neem leaves, camphor, etc, to increase the therapeutic value of the fire.
On a day out enjoying all the fun, it is essential to purify and rejuvenate your body:
Oil Cleansing: Avoid colours by pre-washing with coconut or mustard oil, followed by mild herbal cleanser.
Herbal Bath: Relax with neem water, rose petals, and sandalwood.
Hair Detox: Wash hair with amla, reetha, and shikakai for natural detoxification.
Skin Hydration: Use aloe vera gel or kumkumadi oil to moisturize and repair the skin.
Internal Detox: Have warm turmeric milk or ginger and tulsi herbal tea to detoxify.
Hydration is the way forward after Holi. Ayurvedic detox water, with coriander, cumin, and fennel added to it, removes toxins. Eating light, warm foods such as khichdi supports digestion and balance.
Ayurvedic Post-Holi Care
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| source: deccan herald |
Oil Cleansing: Avoid colours by pre-washing with coconut or mustard oil, followed by mild herbal cleanser.
Herbal Bath: Relax with neem water, rose petals, and sandalwood.
Hair Detox: Wash hair with amla, reetha, and shikakai for natural detoxification.
Skin Hydration: Use aloe vera gel or kumkumadi oil to moisturize and repair the skin.
Internal Detox: Have warm turmeric milk or ginger and tulsi herbal tea to detoxify.
Hydration is the way forward after Holi. Ayurvedic detox water, with coriander, cumin, and fennel added to it, removes toxins. Eating light, warm foods such as khichdi supports digestion and balance.
In this way you can keep your skin healthy and good naturally.
Vata (Air): Refrain from excessive cold wind exposure; keep the body warm and lubricated.
Pitta (Fire): Drink plenty of cooling beverages, such as coconut water, to avoid overheating.
Kapha (Earth & Water): Participate in active play to offset lethargy and eat light, digestive foods.
Knowing your body type (Prakriti) can ensure you celebrate Holi without post-festival imbalances.
Vata-Pitta-Kapha Balance During Holi
Holi festivities involve increased activity, exposure to varied weather, and food indulgences. Ayurveda recommends Vata-Pitta-Kapha balance during Holi through various practices:Vata (Air): Refrain from excessive cold wind exposure; keep the body warm and lubricated.
Pitta (Fire): Drink plenty of cooling beverages, such as coconut water, to avoid overheating.
Kapha (Earth & Water): Participate in active play to offset lethargy and eat light, digestive foods.
Knowing your body type (Prakriti) can ensure you celebrate Holi without post-festival imbalances.
Vata types must pay attention to hydrating and grounding foods, Pitta types must watch out for too much spice and heat, and Kapha types must keep themselves active so they don't become lethargic.
Ayurvedic Advice for a Safe and Fun-Filled Holi
- Wear cotton or full-sleeved clothes to reduce direct contact with colours.
- Have homemade rose water ready to comfort the eyes if irritation arises.
- Before venturing out, put a thick moisturizer or ghee on exposed skin to act as a colour shield.
- Use sandalwood and rosewater paste immediately if there is any rash or allergy.
- Stay away from alcohol and too much sweets as they imbalance dosha and can cause post-Holi lethargy.
Conclusion
By Playing Holi the Ayurvedic Way, you are not only keeping yourself safe from chemicals but also going with nature's wisdom to have a healthier, more colourful celebration.Using Skin-friendly Holi colours, taking mindful Ayurvedic post-Holi care, and following Vata-Pitta-Kapha equilibrium during Holi keeps the festival beautiful, safe, and nourishing.
This Holi, celebrate with Ayurvedic wisdom and indulge in the splendour of nature's colours!
With proper Ayurvedic routines, Holi does not have to be merely a festival—it can be an entire experience that can revitalize your body, mind, and spirit.
With proper Ayurvedic routines, Holi does not have to be merely a festival—it can be an entire experience that can revitalize your body, mind, and spirit.
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