Significance of HOLI

HOLI

In spite of being such a colorful 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 sociocultural, religious, biological and scientific, there is every reason why we must heartily enjoy the festival and cherish the reasons for its celebrations.

Mythological Significance
Holi gets us close to our religion and our mythology as it is essentially the celebration of various legends associated with the festival.
Foremost is the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakshyap. The legend says there once lived a devil and powerful king, Hiranyakshyap who considered himself a god and wanted everybody to worship him. To his great ire, his son, Prahlad began to worship, Lord Vishnu. To get rid of his son, Hiranyakshyap asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had a boon to enter fire unscathed. Legend has it that Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion for the lord while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika or the 'Holika dahan' comes mainly from this legend.

Holi also celebrates the legend of Radha and Krishna which describes the extreme delight; Krishna took in applying colour on Radha and other gopis. This prank of Krishna later became a trend and a part of the Holi festivities.

Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill infant, Krishna by feeding poisonous milk to it.
Another legend of Holi which is extremely popular in Southern India is that of Lord Shiva and Kaamadeva. According to the legend, people in south celebrate the sacrifice of Lord of Passion Kaamadeva who risked his life to revoke Lord Shiva from meditation and save the world.

Also, popular is the legend of Ogress Dhundhi who used to trouble children in the kingdom of Raghu and was ultimately chased away by the pranks of the children on the day of Holi.

Cultural Significance
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 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. This is extremely important in the modern day society when so many people resort to evil practices for small gains and torture one who is honest. Holi helps the people to believe in the virtue of being truthful and honest and also to fight away the evil.

Besides, Holi is celebrated at a time of the year when the fields are in full bloom and people are expecting a good harvest. This gives a people a good reason to rejoice, make merry and submerge themselves in the spirit of Holi.

Social Significance
Holi helps to bring the society together and strengthen the secular fabric of our country. For, the festival is celebrated by non-Hindus also as everybody like to be a part of such a colourful and joyous festival. Also, the tradition of the Holi is that even the enemies turn friends on Holi and forget any feeling of hardship that may be present. Besides, on this day people do not differentiate between the rich and poor and everybody celebrate the festival together with a spirit of bonhomie and brotherhood.
In the evening people visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts, sweets and greetings. This helps in revitalizing relationships and strengthening emotional bonds between people.

Biological Significance
it is interesting to note that the festival of Holi is significant for our lives and body in many other ways than providing joy and fun. We also need to thank our forefathers who started the trend of celebrating Holi at such a scientifically accurate time, and also for incorporating so much fun in the festival.

Holi comes at a time of the year when people have a tendency to feel sleepy and lazy. This is natural for the body to experiences some tardiness due to the change from the cold to the heat in the atmosphere. To counteract this tardiness of the body, people sing loudly or even speak loudly. Their movements are brisk and their music is loud. All of this helps to rejuvenate the system of the human body.

Besides, the colors when sprayed on the body have a great impact on it. Biologists believe the liquid dye penetrates the body and enters into the pores. It has the effect of strengthening the ions in the body and adds health and beauty to it.

Scientific significance

There is yet another scientific reason for celebrating the Holi; this however pertains to the tradition of Holika Dahan. The mutation period of winter and spring, induces the growth of bacteria in the atmosphere as well as in the body. When Holika is burnt, temperature rises to about 145 degrees Fahrenhiet. Following the tradition when people perform Parikrima (circumambulation or going around) around the fire, the heat from the fire kills the bacteria in the body thus, cleansing it.

The way Holi is celebrated in south, the festival also promotes good health. For, the day after the burning of Holika people put ash (Vibhuti) on their forehead and they would mix Chandan (sandalpaste) with the young leaves and flowers of the Mango tree and consume it to promote good health.

The Emergence of Chemical Holi Colors:

In the early days when Holi celebrations weren't as much commercialized, Holi colors were primarily prepared from the flowers of trees such as the Indian Coral Tree (parijat) and the Flame of the Forest (Tesu)these and several other blossoms provided the raw material from which the brilliant shades of Holi colors were made. Most of these trees also had medicinal properties and Holi colors prepared from them were actually beneficial to the skin. However times have changed and today, natural colours find few takers. Most people opt for chemical Holi colours that are cheaper and much more easily available

Dangerous Effects Of Chemical Holi Colours

Toxic Holi colours can cause damage to skin, hair and may take weeks to wean off. There is also a possibility of allergic reactions with chemical Holi colours. So what then can you do this Holi season to prevent such problems?

Make Organic Colours At Your Home:

Holi festival lovers will be glad to know that it is very much possible to make simple organic colours in one’s own kitchen. Here are some very simple recipes to make organic colours:

Colour                                 Method of Preparation

Yellow                                       1) Mix turmeric (haldi)

                                                2) Boil flowers in water

Yellow liquid colour                   Soak peels of pomegranate (Anar) overnight.

Deep Pink                                 Slice a beetroot and soak in water

Orange Red Paste:                     Henna leaves (mehandi) can be dried,

                                                    Powdered and mixed with water.    

            

 If you don't want to go through this trouble, then buy organic HOLI colors. Holi is fast approaching and we urge everyone to have a cheerful, happening, colorful and “organic Holi”.

I WISH COLOURFULL HEALTHY BLISSFUL ENERGETIC and enthusiastic HOLI to all.

Check Your Microwave

Here is a very easy and useful tip to find out whether your microwave is safe: 

 

1 SWITCH OFF UNPLUG your microwave.

2. Place your MOBILE / CELL-PHONE ( Hand-Phone) inside your microwave and shut the door.

3. Using your home-phone or other phone, dial your mobile number

4. If your mobile inside the microwave lights up and rings..you have a leak. Throw the microwave away and get yourself a new one.

5. If there is no light or response from your mobile, then your microwave is OK.no leakage.

Remember: Just because the door of the microwave appears to shut properly does not mean there is no leakage.Take care and be safe.

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Himalayan/Pakistani/Rock/Crystal Salt:

Himalayan/Pakistani/Rock/Crystal Salt:

Salt is available in several forms with names that reflect the origin or intended use of the particular salt. Sea salt, for example, is from evaporated seawater, and rock salt is from underground deposits. Rock salt is mined in Khewra, Malakwal; sea salt is usually imported from the Mediterranean Sea and from Gujarat, India.

Now in the absence of clean sea water, rock salt is second best choice.

 The health benefits of using natural Himalayan Crystal Salt may include:

• Controlling the water levels within the body, regulating them for proper functioning
• Promoting stable pH balance in the cells, including the brain.
• Encouraging excellent blood sugar health
• Aiding in reducing the common signs of aging
• Promoting cellular hydroelectric energy creation
• Promoting the increased absorption capacities of food elements within the intestinal tract
• Aiding vascular health
• Supporting healthy respiratory function
• Lowering incidence of sinus problems, and promoting over-all sinus health
• Reducing muscle cramps
• Increasing bone strength
• Naturally promoting healthy sleep patterns
• Creating a healthy libido
• In combination with water, it is necessary for blood pressure regulation
• Prevents cellulite, when compared to table salt
• Reduces chances of developing rheumatism, arthritis and gout, when compared to common chemically-treated salt
• Reduces chances of developing kidney and gall bladder stones when compared to common chemically-treated salt

Is salt bad for hypertensive?

STRESS RELIEF.

Sea Salt – 10 Great Health Benefits

Strong Immune System

Sea salt naturally helps you to build up a strong immune system so that you can fight off the cold virus, the fever and flu, allergies and other autoimmune disorders.

Alkalizing

Sea salt is alkalizing to the body, as it has not been exposed to high heat and stripped of its minerals, nor does it have any harmful man-made ingredients added to it. Thus it can help you to prevent and reverse high levels of acids in the body, which in turn eliminates the risks for serious and life-threatening diseases.

Weight Loss

Believe it or not, but sea salt can also help you in weight loss. It helps the body to create digestive juices so that the foods you eat are digested faster, and it helps to prevent build up in the digestive tract, which eventually can lead to constipation and weight gain.

Skin Conditions

A sea salt bath can help to relieve dry and itchy skin as well as serious conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The bath naturally opens up the pores, improves circulation in the skin and hydrates the tissues so that your skin can heal.

Asthma

Sea salt is effective in reducing inflammation in the respiratory system. Thus the production of phlegm is slowed down so that you can breathe easier again. Some say that sprinkling sea salt on the tongue after drinking a glass of water is just as effective as using an inhaler. But the great thing about sea salt is that it has no side effects when taken in moderation.

Heart Health

When salt is taken with water it can help to reduce high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and help to regulate an irregular heartbeat. Thus sea salt can help to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes

Sea salt can help to reduce the need for insulin by helping to maintain proper sugar levels in the body. Thus the salt is an essential part of the diet if you are diabetic, or at risk for the disease.

Osteoporosis

Just over 1/4 of the amount of salt that is in the body is stored in the bones, where it helps to keep them strong. When the body lacks salt and water it begins to draw the sodium from the bones, which then eventually can lead to osteoporosis. Thus by drinking plenty of water and consuming salt in moderation you can prevent osteoporosis.

Muscle Spasms

Potassium is essential for helping the muscles to function properly. Sea salt not only contains small amounts of potassium, but it also helps the body to absorb it better from other foods. Thus it is effective in helping to prevent muscle pains, spasms and cramps.

Depression

Sea salt also has shown to be effective in treating various types of depression. The salt helps to preserve two essential hormones in the body that help you to better deal with stress. These hormones are serotonin and melatonin, which help you to feel good, and relax and sleep better at night.

 Is salt bad for hypertensive?

 
What is bad for hypertension is iodized salt, which is a fake salt. It is made up of only 3 synthetic chemicals, sodium, chloride, iodine. It does not melt in water (glistens like diamonds), does NOT melt in the body, does not melt in the kidneys, gives kidney stones, and raises blood pressure. However, it is the salt favoured by the synthetic she drug-based doctors who say it is very clean and sanitary, pointing to how white it is and how it glistens like diamonds. The fake salt is man-made in a factory. The true salt, which comes from the sea and dried under the sun and commonly called rock salt, has 72 natural minerals including natural sodium, chloride and iodine. It melts in water, melts in your body, melts in the kidneys, do not give kidney stones, and best of all brings down blood pressure and stops/prevents muscle cramps, numbness, tingling.

If you get muscle cramps in the lower legs at night, just take half teaspoon of rock salt and a glass of water, and the cramps with its horrific pain will be gone in 5 minutes. The highest BP that came my way was in a woman who had a BP of 240/140 and came to my house at 10:30 pm on what she said was a matter of "life and death" because the high BP was already giving her a crushing headache, especially the back of her head. She could not walk up the 6 shallow steps to my porch. Two men had to help her, one on each side, in addition to the cane that she needed to prop herself up.

I muscle tested her and found that underlying her BP of 240/140 and the crushing pain in the head, her body's water content was only 6% (normal is 75%), salt content was zero, potassium was 96% deficient, and cardiac output (blood flow from the heart) was only 40% (normal is 100%). So the blood supply to the head was 60% deficient.

I gave her one 6" long green chilli (hot pepper), 1 raw ripe saba banana, 1/2 teaspoon of rock salt and 3 8-oz glasses of tap water. The chilli was to normalize cardiac output and shoot blood to the head, the saba banana was for the potassium deficiency and to have food in the stomach because pepper will give a stomach ache if the stomach is empty, and the rock salt and the water were the first aid for her severe dehydration which was causing her arteries to be dry and stiff and her blood to be thick and sticky, because they were dehydrated.

After 5 minutes, she said, "The pain in my head is gone." We took her BP, it was 115/75, and cardiac output was up to 100%. She walked out of the house to her car without the men helping her and without the cane.
She has been taking 2.5 teaspoons of rock salt, 15 glasses of water, 6 Saba bananas and 3 of the long pepper daily since then (beginning September 2009), and her BP and cardiac output have been normal since then.
Two months later, in November, at a PCAM round table forum on hypertension in Club Filipino, she gave her testimony, followed by her brother who said that she grew 2", because the salt and the water had refilled her compressed disc spaces in her vertebral column. The disc spaces had become compressed because they had become dehydrated since the fluid filling up these discs are 95% water.

Why salt? Because without salt the body cannot retain water no matter how much water is drunk. You will still be dehydrated because you will just keep urinating and sweating the water out.
This is not an isolated case. When BP is rising high but there is little or no headache but there is stiffness of shoulder and neck muscles, all you need to normalize the BP and remove the stiffness and the pain in 5 minutes is 1/2 teaspoon of rock salt and 3 glasses of water. If there is crushing pain in the head, it means blood supply to the head is lacking, and you will need the chilli to normalize it and shoot blood to the head and remove the extreme pain. Second best salt is HIMALAYAN ROCK SALT.

                                                       

                                                                                            -Compiled by Adarsh