What is Holi for Kids?

Understanding the History, Science, and Culture of the Festival

Holi, a Hindu festival that is typically celebrated in India and Nepal during the spring season, usually in February or March is a very important festival, not just in mythology, but also scientifically and environmentally. The festival is also known as the "Festival of Colors" and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.

Day One: Holika Dahan or Chotti Holi:

It is the eve of Holi. It starts on the evening of the last full moon (Purnima) of the month of Phalgun. There are several stories and legends associated with the celebration of Holi. One popular story involves the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who was granted a boon that made him virtually indestructible. However, his son Prahlada remained a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu, which angered Hiranyakashipu. He ordered his sister Holika, who had a magical cloak that protected her from fire, to sit on a pyre with Prahlada. However, the cloak flew off Holika and covered Prahlada, saving him from the fire. This is why Holi is celebrated by lighting bonfires, which is known as Holika Dahan, the night before the main day of Holi. It signifies the victory of good over evil.?

Day Two: Holi or Dhuleti:

Another legend involves Lord Krishna and his love for Radha. According to this, Lord Krishna would playfully throw colored powder and water on Radha and the other gopis (female cowherds). It is said that he often felt sad and jealous of his blue skin colour and Radha’s fair complexion. Mythology has it that Lord Krishna’s mother advised him to put colour on Radha and so they would not be different at all.?

This playful activity became a tradition and is now an important part of the Holi celebration. It is a day of fun and frolic. People smear colours on each other’s faces and drench them in water and indulge in Holi specialties like thandai, puran poli, gujia and dahi bhalle. Each colour has its own significance. Gulal (red powder) represents fertility, blue is the colour of Lord Krishna, yellow and green represent spring and start of something new.

Apart from the mythological significance, Holi also has scientific and environmental significance. The festival is celebrated during the spring season, which is when the weather changes and people tend to fall ill due to a change in temperature.?

When the Holika bonfire is burnt, the temperature rises well over 50 degrees celsius thus killing bacteria in the surrounding area. We blindly follow the tradition of walking around the fire (parikrama), not realizing that being close to the heat of the fire kills the bacteria in our bodies, thus saving us from illness.?

The colors used during Holi are made from natural ingredients such as flowers, herbs, and fruits, which have a cooling effect on the body and help fight infections. However, in recent times, synthetic and chemical-based colors have become popular, which can cause skin allergies and other health problems. Hence, it is important to use natural colors and celebrate the festival in an environmentally friendly manner.

It is essential to educate children about the significance of Holi and why it is celebrated. By doing so, they will not only understand the cultural significance of the festival but also appreciate the scientific and environmental importance of celebrating it in a responsible manner.