Nature's Palette: Exploring the Plant-Based Colors of Holi

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and colorful world of Holi, the festival of colors! Celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun, which falls in February/March according to the Gregorian calendar, Holi marks the arrival of spring and new beginnings.  But Holi isn't just about playing with colors and indulging in delicious food; it's a festival that has a deep connection with mythology and science.Beyond the fun and frolic, Holi has a great scientific significance as well.  People congregate in public areas on Holika Dahan and light bonfires to represent the destruction of evil. Holika Dahan is performed to pave the way for new life in the spring.  When people perform Parikrama, the heat coming from the bonfire kills bacteria in the body and cleanses it. In some parts of the country, after Holika Dahan, people put ash on their forehead and mix Chandan (paste of sandalwood) with the young leaves and flowers of the Mango tree and consume it, believing it would promote good health. They chant songs (Phag, Jogira, etc.) using dhol, manjira, and other traditional instruments to combat this laziness. The human body is revitalized as a result of this. Their movement while playing with color also aids in the process. Playing with natural colors also has a healing effect on the human body. In ancient times, the colors used for Holi were made from plants like Neem, Haldi, Bilva, Palash, and many others. Even today, these natural ingredients can be used to create a range of colors for Holi.  Green: The Color of Growth and Renewal If you want to create a green shade, you can turn to nature's pantry. Mehendi in its powder form, dried leaves of Gulmohur tree, leaves of spring crops and herbs, rhododendron leaves, and pine needles can be used to make green color. Or, for a healthy option, you can use spinach leaves! These natural ingredients can create a range of shades, from bright lime to deep forest green. Yellow: The Color of Sunshine and Joy Yellow is a color that can instantly lift your spirits, and it can be created using a variety of natural ingredients. Turmeric (Haldi) in its powder or juice from the fresh root, Bael fruit, amaltas, or even gram flour can be used for shades of yellow. Many flower species are yellow, such as chrysanthemums, marigold, dandelions, sunflowers, daffodils, and dahlias. Flowers of Tesu tree (Palash) can give hues of yellow and orange. Orange: The Color of Energy and Vitality For a warm and energizing shade of orange, turn to natural ingredients such as saffron, barberry, or mixing lime with turmeric powder. Another option is to soak mehendi in water which will give you the orange hue. These ingredients can create shades ranging from soft peach to fiery orange. Red: The Color of Passion and Romance Red is a color that evokes strong emotions and can be created using a variety of natural ingredients. Rose, dried hibiscus flowers, madder tree, the bark of crab apple trees, and fragrant red sandalwood can be used for reds. Peels and the seeds of pomegranate, or even radish are a great source of red color. Of course, the beetroot is a strong natural dye. Both in its powder form and the juice mixed with water can be used. Indigo, Indian berries, species of grapes, blue hibiscus, and jacaranda flowers could be used in powder, paste, or liquid forms. Blue: The Color of Serenity and Tranquility Blue is a color that can evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, and it can be created using a variety of natural ingredients. Indigo, Indian berries, species of grapes, blue hibiscus, and jacaranda flowers could be used in powder, paste, or liquid forms. These ingredients can create shades ranging from soft baby blue to deep navy. Brown: The Color of Earth and Stability For a warm and earthy shade of brown, use Katha or the catechu, which is an extract of acacia trees, generally used as an ingredient in paan. Red maple trees are also a source for brown color. These ingredients can create shades ranging from light beige to dark chocolate brown. Black: The Color of Mystery and Power Black is a color that can evoke a sense of mystery and power, and it can be created using a variety of natural ingredients. Some species of grapes, and the dried fruit of Gooseberry (Amla) can create a black color. The festival of Holi is not just a time for celebration, but also a time for rejuvenation and renewal. The playful pouring and throwing of natural color powders has a positive effect on the human body, strengthening the ions and adding to its health and beauty. So, this Holi, let's celebrate with natural colors and soak in the science and tradition behind this vibrant festival.