Holi for any Indian is synonym to rang and bhaang. The festival of colors is bigger than just what pleases the eyes. It has mythological significance and also cultural, social and biological characteristic to it.
Why Do We Celebrate Holi?
Mythological
Holi is famous as festival of colors as anhonor to Lord Vishnu and his follower Prahlada. As per the legend of Bhagvata Purana, King Hiranyakashipu, the king of asuras was blessed with a boon that he could not be killed by a human being or an animal, neither outdoor nor indoor, not with a missile or a handheld weapon, neither in land, water nor air and neither during the day nor at night. This made the king proudly and he ordered even gods should start worshipping him.
Prahlada, Hiranyakashipu’s son worshipped Lord Vishnu instead and never supported his father. This made the king furious and he along with his sister Holika planned to get rid of him. Holika wearing a fire-resistant cloak sat on a funeral pyre, but as the fire boomed the cloak flew to Prahlada leading to the death of Holika. Hence, Holi indicates the victory of good over evil.
Cultural
The festival marks the victory of good over evil, keeping the mythological tales in reference. In today’s world when people resort to evil practices for small gain, the day helps them to trail good values and fight against evil. The day marks the commencement of spring, also New Year for many, inspiring to start everything fresh and make new friends.
Social
People dress up and meet and greet friends and relatives during this day full of colors and fun.There is also a tradition of exchanging sweets to reinforce the emotional bonds between people and look forward for a new beginning. The festival of colors also helps people to come together and forget the hardships and grow a spirit of sociability and brotherhood.
Biological
This is the most important significance of Holi and will surely make you to move out of your house and enjoy colors. Holi usually comes in beginning of summers, when people are sleepy and lazy due to the change in climate from cold to heat. Playing Holi with colors is also escorted by people singing loudly and dancing, hence revitalizing the human system.
Talking about the colors, earlier people used to play with abeer and not with chemical colors. Abeer enters into the pores and helps in strengthening the ions in the body.
Also, the change in the air from hot to cold encourages the growth of bacteria in the air and when Holika is burnt the temperature goes to about 145 degrees killing the bacteria in the body and atmosphere.