Holi, Festival of Color is a rejoice of the victory of good over evil began in the era of Mahabharat. Arrogant king Hiranyakashipu who was blessed with power, didn't allow people to worship anyone else except him however his son Prahlada openly opposed his father as he was an ardent devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister Holika to burn the prince on the full moon night. Under the blessing of God Vishnu, Prahlada was unscathed while Holika was burned into ashes. When the prince walked out of the fire, people sprinkled him with colorful water to express the praise of goodness and hatred of evil.

People are seen with different varieties of colours on Holi. They put colours and water on each other, sing, dance and have fun.  Festival of Colors, creating a vibrant energy of love and celebrating the all the bright hues of life has unfortunately, turned into problems in modern times. Holi too has become ruthlessly commercialized, boisterous and yet another source of environmental degradation. 

I am writing few of the ways of celebrating this festival in eco friendly way:

1.  Holi with Natural Colors

Synthetic colors used during the holi can cause serious impact to our skin and health, Now a days people can create their own colour without any side effects. Making colours at home is an easy task with few easy steps and tips with a search away from internet surfing.

 

2.  Don’t Throw colors on Animals

Colors and water are spread on the animals during holi. Chemical colors cause harm to their bodies. Those innocent animals are being disturbed and impacted by our inhuman activities. Let’s keep animals safe this holi.

 

3.  Use Less Water

Large amount of water has been found to be wasted during Holi. People even pour polluted and dirty water on holi. Water is such an important aspect and still many people are deprived of clean drinking water and water for cleanliness and sanitation We must use less water.

 

4.  Balloons free Holi

Balloons filled with water are used during holi. These plastic balloons pollute the environment. Lets avoid ballons and plastic bags and celebrate clean holi. Let us refuse it, if we can’t reuse it.

 

Nature has always loved us and now it’s time for us to love it back, play safe Holi and love nature. Let the colours of Holi spread the message of peace and happiness.

Also wishing all of you safe stay form the increasing threat of corona virus.

Picture Credit: Youth Thinkers' Society Lamjung