Holi, the exuberant festival of colour, is celebrated to rejoice the advent of Spring.

Holi – the festival of Love and Joy

Safe HOLI Visit Us on www.awgp.org

email: gpmumbai@gmail.com

Human values are most valuable. It is the main duty of every conscientious man to protect it – P.P. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya

All World Gayatri Pariwar is an mission with itsheadquarter at Shantikunj, Haridwar, India.

Founded by REVERED GURUDEV YUG RISHI PANDIT SHRI RAM SHARMA ACHARYASpread across more than Spread across more than 100100 countries.countries.Committed to cultural, ethical, moral & spiritual awaCommitted to cultural, ethical, moral & spiritual awakeningkening

and national integration since last 80 years.and national integration since last 80 years.Associated with numerous social programs in Rural as wAssociated with numerous social programs in Rural as well ell as as Urban India for awakening universal consciousness, Urban India for awakening universal consciousness, enhancingenhancingHuman Values & creating environmental Human Values & creating environmental awareness .awareness .For details, please visit http://www.awgp.org.

About us…

Gayatri Pariwar undertakes environmental projects & works ndertakes environmental projects & works with school children and communities to create environmentalwith school children and communities to create environmentalawareness.awareness.

The underlying realisation is that " each one of us is responsible for the current worse state of environment in the country, and we can not wait for someone else to solve it ".

Gayatri Pariwar’s programme instills a sense of responsibility in every individual. It provides opportunities to students and communities to understand and learn more about the quality of the environment and use their findings to create or demand solutions.

The communities are thus empowered to make right choices and decisions in the interest of the larger population. While children trigger the whole process, they are joined by elders in taking up initiatives to preserve and enhance the quality of environment.

Creating Environmental Awareness

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ??

Each one of us! Each individual is accountable. Each household, Each community, Each organization, Each industry and Each Government is accountable. Not only industrialization but also waste & garbage during celebrations of Festivals are major contributors to environmental hazards.Under the global movement of environmental protection, Gayatri Pariwar –Mumbai ( a mission involved in promoting ecological activities) is striving to foster the same among public.

There are many stories of the origin of Holi. The most widely held belief is that Holi marks the day when the devotee of lord Vishnu, Bakt Prahlad, seated on the lap of demoness Holika, was saved from the effect of the fire by God and the demoness got burnt instead. Other stories relate to the death of demon Putana at the hands of lord Krishna and to the burning of demoness Hoda by children. Some link the festival with the worship of Karma, God of pleasure and destiny.

It was Krishna, or, Krishn, the king of the ancient city of Dwarka, who popularised the tradition of Holi. The origin of the colorful and frolicking tone of Holi lies in the boyhood of Krishna. It all came up as part of his pranks, he used to play with his boyhood mates of Gokul and Vrindavan

Significance of Holi Festival

• Holi is a harvest celebration marking the climax of spring. Bonfires are lit, marking both the end of winter and the death of evil, and proceeds from the seasonal harvest- grains, coconuts etc- offered to the flames.

• The next day, dhuleti involves plenty of colour throwing, prayer, fasting and feasting. People have fun throwing coloured powder and colourful water at each other, dancing and gambling over cards. The Rajasthani and north Indian population at Kankaria and Jamalpur in Ahmedabad celebrate Holi in great style with folk dancing and colour throwing.

HOLI SIGNIFIES Holi heralds the arrival of Spring - the season of hope and new beginnings and marks the rekindling of the spirit of life. Holi signifies burning of the Asuric (demonic) tendencies in manCelebrates an ultimate triumph of the 'good' over the 'evil'.

Holi also means "sacrifice". Burn all the impurities of the mind, such as egoism, vanity and lust, through the fire of devotion and knowledge. Ignite cosmic love, mercy, generosity, selflessness, truthfulness and purity through the fire of Yogic practice. This is the real spirit of Holi. Rise from the mire of stupidity and absurdity and dive deep into the ocean of divinity.

Festivals are occasions for celebration. Everyone, irrespective of religion or station has the right to celebrate it in his or her way. We must, therefore, be mindful that the manner in which we celebrate the occasion does not affect the right of others to enjoy it.

The changing social ethos has cast its influence on religion, and this is reflected in the HOLI festivital being observed in the city.

Celebrating Holi ; The Eco-friendly way

Nowadays, people are found indulging in all sorts of vices in the name of the Holi festival. Some drink intoxicating liquor like toddy and fall unconscious on the roads. They indulge in obscene speech as a result of drinking. They lose respect for their elders and masters. They waste their money in drink and dice-play. These evils should be totally eradicated

Festivals like Holi have their own spiritual value. Apart from the various amusements, they create faith in God if properly observed. Hindu festivals always have a spiritual significance. They wean man away from sensual pleasures and take him gradually to the spiritual path and divine communion. People perform Havana and offer to the gods the new grains that are harvested

On such holy occasions there should be worship of God, Satsangs,and Kirtan of the Lord's Names, not merely the sprinkling of coloured water and lighting of bonfires. These functions are to be considered most sacred and spent in devotional prayers, visiting holy places, bathing in sacred waters, and Satsang with great souls.Abundant charity should be done to the poor or for Noble cause . Then only can Holi be said to have been properly celebrated. Devotees of the Lord should remember His delightful pastimes on such happy occasions.

Spiritual Insight of Holi

The social element during Holi is the uniting or "embracing" of the great and the small, of the rich and the poor. It is also the uniting of equals. The festival teaches us to "let the dead bury the dead". We should forget the outgoing year's ill-feelings and begin the new year with feelings of love, sympathy, co-operation and equality with all. We should try to feel this oneness or unity with the Self also.

SOCIAL Insight of Holi

Holi festival is one that symbolizes harmony and brotherhood but it seems to be losing its aesthetic value and becoming more and more commercial as the years go by.There is a need to re-orient people’s outlook towards festivals based on their origin, significance & essence. Mere awareness is insufficient. In today’s world ruled by ‘Economics & opportunism’, we need to ‘ACT’ quickly.

Celebrating HOLI The Eco-friendly way

Synthetic Colours used in HOLI Celebrations

Over the years, natural colours have been replaced by synthetic colours to the extent that most Holi colours sold in the market are oxidized metals or industrial dyes(like those for dyeing our clothing). Synthetic colours posed a health risk as they use non-permitted agents like Rhodamine B, mica powder Methyl, Violet ,chalk powder and silica. Malachite green Auramine, besides sand, starch and salts which cause eye irritation, skin allergies and respiratory problems.

All these are toxic and can result in anything from skin allergies to cancer, eye irritation to blindness... and much morc..

These chemicals can cause allergic reactions likeconjunctivitis, skin rash, sneezing and even blindness.Moreover they are also toxic to other life forms when they enter the ecosystem through soil and water." The powdered

green that you get in the market is made from copper sulphate and could cause temporary blindness.

It's time to Awaken

Did you know that Holi can be fun and harmless if you play with environment-friendly natural colors.

Natural and Safe Holi Colours• Holi matches the riot of colours of spring

in full bloom and traditionally was played by making colours from the flowers blooming at that time and even herbs etc. The fragrant natural colours also had therapeutic value and were beneficial for our skin and health. The ingredients of Gulal were purposely chosen for their emollient qualities which were far from today’s toxic colours. In Vrindavan Holi was and is still played with actual flower petals chosen for their fragrance and colour such as rajnigandha and rose.

Playing Holi with flower petals the conventional way

These natural ways can be also as vibrant, with palatable aromas and one doesn't mind a brush of chandan on one's face or henna powder

dumped on one's hair.

"All we need is an attitude correction and a heart for the living."

Holi ke Rang, Phoolon ke Sangh!

Gayatri Parivar Youth Group Mumbai -GPYGM has been campaigning against toxic Holi colours and through workshops and lectures has taught many students how to make simple, cheap yet beautiful environment and human friendly natural colours with which one can enjoy Holi.

It’s a wonderful experience to prepare natural colours from different plants having colourful flowers or leaves

"Children should be encouraged to make natural colours out offlowers like Hibiscus ,Chameli , amaltas, marigold or Gainda Jacaranda flowers ,or vegetables like beet root , or Banana leaves or using Heena , Turmeric , Chandan etc COULD BE A UNIQUE BLEND. Gulal is made up of `tesu' or `palash' (flame of the forest) s, They should be taught in schools so that they know the importance of this activity

Natural colors , gulal uses vegetable dyes, & has good cosmetic effect, they can be easily removed with a soft mop, makes skin feel soft after a wash and is available in sandalwood, Jasmine, lemon,

grass jave, rose, fragrance etc

By Playing Holi the Vedic Way By using safe, natural colors we not only save our skins but also help save our environment and conserve our biodiversity. ...

In the case of bhang-pushing, it should be realised that the enhanced mental stimulation, hilarious laughter and high energy lead to delusions, hallucinations, mental incapacitation, depression and damages to the chromosomes that carry information in body cells.

Information in the public realm has shown that cannabis sativa ( BHANG) adversely interferes with the male sex hormones, testosterone, leading to malfunctions in the reproductive functions of consumers. Use of bhang does injure the digestion and impair appetite even when used moderately

Bhang- A narcotic drink made from hemp leaves, often consumed on Holi.

Ethical & Moral Awakening Gambling, Playing cards, Alcohol, Bhang Consumption Smoking, using unparlimentary words or language, abusive language, vulgarity , in any form of dance, songs etc , indulging in hooliganism are the factors that are blockages to joyable & harmonious celebrations

Man wants relaxation and change after hard work. He needs to be cheered when he is depressed on account of work and anxieties. Festivals like Holi supply him with the real food and tonic to restore his cheer and peace of mind if observed in a pious way .

Once the students are convinced about the issues, they can actively & aggressively campaign to further spread awareness.It is aptly said that "the child is the father of a man". They can have their voices heard, anxieties understood and concerns translated into action for a cleaner environment.Being future citizens they should shoulder the responsibility of bringing about a positive change.

WHAT YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE?When the Student is Ready The teacher Will Appear

Inner illumination is the real Holi.

GAYATRI PARIWARMUMBAI

GAYATRI PARIWARMUMBAI