Holi, the Festival of Color
As the colors changed from plant-based to chemicals
Holi, the festival of colors,
is here again.
People will celebrate, splash,
oblivious to the risks.
Let me give you a snapshot
of what it was,
and what it is now.
Once upon a time,
the colors came from plants,
flowers, leaves and roots:
palash, turmeric
roselle, beetroot
henna, indigo.
They were rich in antioxidants,
flavonoids, anthocyanins,
protective to skin.
And now?
Lead oxide, copper sulfate.
aluminum bromide, mercury sulfite.
rhodamine B, chromium iodide,
heavy metals too.
An anathema,
for people with skin sensitivity.
I am allergic, know the perils.
Have fun, but with awareness,
Holi need not make you sick.
About the Creator
Seema Patel
I am Seema. I contribute to PubMed, Blogger, Medium, LinkedIn, Substack, Amazon KDP, Vocal Media.
I write on nature, health, parenting, creativity, gardening, social issues.
My art shop: https://artsforhealinggifts.etsy.com
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Comments (3)
Happy Holi and I hope you are filled with the colours, and blessed by the flowers, of springtime
I saw a photo of coworkers in India celebrating, covered in colors. I hope no harm comes to them from the chemicals!
Sounds really good to be there and see it ππππ