Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals across the world and is marked by a lot of energy and color. This festival of colors is celebrated by applying colors on the body of friends and family. But as it is with any party, there are always some questions that come up and one of them is; Why can’t Holi colors be washed off? Let’s find out the answer to this vibrant query.
The Origins of Holi Colors
Classically, Holi colors were made from natural materials like turmeric, neem leaves, kumkum, and flowers including marigold. These ingredients were not only safe to apply on the skin and could be easily removed from it.
Modern Holi Colors and Their Chemical Composition
Today, there are all kinds of Holi colors available in the market which are mixed with chemicals and artificial colors. Some of them may contain metals such as lead oxide, copper sulfate, and mercury sulfide to produce bright and vibrant colors that are not removable and may even be harmful.
Why Non-Washable?
Modern Holi colors are synthetic in nature and this is why they are not easily removed from fabrics, hair and skin. The dyes used in the product are likely to penetrate the fabric, hair and skin and once they do, they are not easily removed by water and soap.
Effects on Fabrics and Skin
Tip: It is always better to apply some moisturizer on your skin before playing with Holi colors.
Synthetic colors are tough on both fabrics and skin. Some colors may stick on the clothes for a long time and skin may become dry or even irritated. It is also recommended that one should wear protective clothes and put a good amount of oil or moisturizer on the areas that will be exposed during the Holi festival.
How to Make Holi Colors Washable.
There has been an effort to come up with environmentally friendly colors that are easy to wash off and are safe for the skin. These are the organic colors that are made from food grade materials. However, they are not as easily available as the synthetic colors.
Home Made Holi Colors: A Solution
To make washable colors at home, you can combine flour with food coloring or use different types of flowers and herbs. It is a fun activity and the best part is that the colors are non-toxic.
Historical Tidbits
Did you know? In the past, the colors used during Holi were called ‘gulal’. Each colour was representative of a certain celebration and was used in different communities at different times of the year.
Some Tips to Avoid the Non-Washable Colors
- Apply coconut oil to the hair to prevent the colors from sticking to the hair.
- Use vinegar for the last rinse to maintain the shine of the hair.
Interesting Fact: The fun and frolic associated with Holi were so infectious that even medieval records mention Mughal kings partaking in the festivities with much fanfare.
FAQs
What is the best way to protect the skin from Holi colors? You should moisturize your skin and wear clothes that cover all the parts of the body.
Are natural colors better than the others? Yes, they are environmentally friendly and non-toxic to the skin.
Conclusion
This article is an attempt to celebrate the spirit of Holi – the lively colors and the joyful atmosphere. However, due to the use of synthetic colors, there are some problems; but, traditional values tell us that it is the love that is exchanged during the festival that should be appreciated. So, as you celebrate this Holi, why not try and make it an eco-friendly Holi with safe and easy to wash colors.
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