Wellness benefits of celebrating Holi

A festival celebrated joyously all over India Holi is a day of colours, where people of all ages
and ethnicities have fun dousing each other in dyes and coloured water. Holi festival is based
on one of the famous legends of killing evil demoness Holika.

Another one of the famous legends is the one Lord Krishna complaining to mother Yashodha about Radha being fairer as compared to him. Mother Yashodha suggests that Krishna should colour Radha, in the colour of his choice. The mischievous Krishna is said to have coloured his beloved in a hue of
colours thereafter. A tradition that is thereby we have been following.

Associated with the colour white, Holi symbolizes the end of one phase and the beginning of
a new tomorrow. As Holi nears us, we celebrate the return of colours on the trees, in the
sunsets, the arrival of spring, the end of winter. Holi stresses the need to get rid of the
impassive winters, long nights and dry skin and lackluster hair. Interestingly, traditional Holi
ritual and customs step in as the perfect body-rejuvenation therapy.

Dr Manoj Kutteri, Wellness Director at Atmantan shares the wellness benefits of celebrating
Holi:

Colours and the mind
Colours, as we all know, are vital for a healthy body. While immersed in the vibrant colours
of Holi, our mind and body experience myriads of benefits. Bright colours like red tend to
stimulate the heartbeat & breathing. Colours like Yellow and Blue don’t just bring in a
calming effect on our senses but also surround us with a sense of joy and happiness.

Advantages of Holika Dhahan
Holi, like many other festivals, falls on the cusp of winters and spring. This season also
exposes us to a number of bacteria and pollution in the air around us. The mutation period of
winter and spring induces the growth of bacteria in the atmosphere as well as in the
body Hence, the burning of Holika, the day before Holi, where many lights a bonfire that
symbolizes the burning of evil, follows the tradition of walking around the fire deodorizing
our environment and cleansing the body from the bacteria.

Natural and organic colours
Traditionally the Holi colours were created with naturally helpful ingredients like hibiscus
flowers, henna leaves, Kesar, sandalwood and more. These natural colours are not just good
for your skin, hair and eyes but even cleanse and clear the dead skin. Ingredients such as
these are used in Ayurveda for rejuvenating the body and giving it a healthy glow. Red colour
is energizing and stimulate heart functions and breathing.  Yellow has a soothing effect on
organs especially the intestines and blue has a calming and tranquilizing effect on our body
and senses.

Cool, energizing drinks
Wake up from our chilling winter slumber, our body needs more than just a cold shower.
Renowned Holi drinks like Thandai and Kaanji act as great coolants and are an excellent
source of anti-oxidants. Thandai, comprising of delicious milk flavour, has the goodness of
almonds, watermelon seeds, fennel seeds and rose petals. While Kaanji, a traditional North
Indian drink is fermented and packed with rich nutrients and fibre.

The festival of Holi also promotes good health in the southern regions of India. The morning
after the burning of Holika, people put ash (Vibhuti) on their forehead. Along with that, they
also mix Chandan (sandalwood paste) with the leaves and flowers from the Mango tree and
consume it.