Holi, is known as Festival of Colours.

It is a popular
Hindu spring festival observed in India, Guyana,
Trinidad, the UK and Nepal. In West Bengal, it is
known as Dolyatra (Doljatra) or Boshonto Utsav
("spring festival"). Holi takes place over two days in
the later part of February or March. As per the
Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon).

SIGNIFICANCE OF HOLI

In spite of being such a colourful festival, there are various aspects of Holi which
makes it so significant for our lives. Though they might not be so apparent but a
closer look and a little thought will reveal the significance of Holi in more ways than
meets the eyes. Ranging from socio-cultural, religious to biological there is every
reason why we must heartily enjoy the festival and cherish the reasons for its
celebrations.

CELEBRATION
Celebration of the various legends associated with
Holi reassures the people of the power of the truth as
the moral of all these legends is the ultimate victory
of good over evil. The legend of Hiranyakashyap and

Published on State Portal (www.orissa.gov.in)

Prahlad also points to the fact that extreme devotion to God pays, as God always takes
his true devotee in his shelter. All these legends help the people to follow a good
conduct in their lives and believe in the virtue of being truthful.

HOLI IN ORISSA
In the evening, milkmen, 'gwalas' carry the palanquin on their shoulders, for Krishna
belonged to their clan. Games such as Danda Khela are also played to mark the
occasion. In orissa a special tent called 'jhoolan mandap' is erected to place the idol of
Lord Jagannath at night. The following morning abeer is applied of the idol of the
lord. Thereafter, people relish the special delicacies of the occasion such as pithas,
laddoos made of puffed rice and sesame seed and play with colours. Towards evening,
idols are given a dip in a pond and taken back to temple.

PROTECTION
As the Spring-blossoming trees that once
supplied the colours used to celebrate Holi
have died. Chemically produced industrial
dyes have been utilized to take their place in
almost entire urban India. The pastes, used
in holi having toxic chemicals which has
potentially severe health impacts. The black paste used in holi contains lead oxide
which can result in renal failure. Two colors are found to be carcinogenic: silver, with
aluminium bromide, and red, with mercury sulphate. The Prussian blue used in the
blue paste has been associated with contact dermatitis, while the copper sulphate in
the green has been documented to cause eye allergy, puffiness and temporary
blindness.

Published on State Portal (www.orissa.gov.in)