Holi: Celebration of Colors!!

With the Festival of Colors smiling at us, I wonder a simple thing, how can you define colors? How do these different shades and binges give different meaning to our lives altogether? How do you explain them to a person who cannot see them? Light is easier to explain. You say bright spot of light and person without sight will at least have an idea that you are referring to something just opposite to what he sees every time he opens his eyes. But the different shades of a rainbow are a bit difficult to explain in words, I guess.

Dictionary meaning being, color is the visual perceptual property corresponding in humans to the categories called red, blue, yellow, and others. Color derives from the spectrum of light (distribution of light power versus wavelength) interacting in the eye with the spectral sensitivities of the light receptors. But to me, Colors are different shades of light displaying different moods. For example, you are happy and jolly today, automatically, your hand will go to the brighter colors in your wardrobe. If you are gloomy you will choose grayer shades of everything. If you feel mysterious, secretive, you will wear black and if you seek attention your natural choice will be red and shades. Originally there are only 3 colors in the spectrum- red, blue and green. And the rest of the lot, are all different shades of these three colors in different combinations. Colors can also be defined as different traits of human nature. Like different emotions are related to different colors. Anger and love both are depicted by red, whereas peace is symbolized by white. Green is evergreen and yellow is happiness, optimism and pleasure. Black is generally the color of sadness and mourning. But in the modern fashion-freak world, it has also been associated with hotness quotient, mystery and secrecy as red is associated with boldness. Blue, the color mostly associated with water and sky, depicts loyalty, harmony and confidence. Blue also indicates dullness or depression in its darker shade. Indian national flag depicts saffron as the color of courage, chivalry and sacrifice. Every shade of every color known to human eye means something signifies some human trait. That is why it has not been discovered yet.

But does anyone think so much when they are asked about their favorite color? Nah! You simply pick the one which strikes you the best. Generally our “favorite” color keeps on changing with time and situation. I believe your favorite color is the color you want to paint your room walls with. Because that color will stay with you always and it will calm you down, sooth you and refresh you as per the needs of the moment. Just a thought.

Then again, everything depends on one’s perception. Some people love vibrant colors, some dark colors, some follow the emo-style with all black only rule. We, Indians, love colors so much that we celebrate colors with a big festival, Holi. Being celebrated from time immemorial, Holi stands for the celebration of colors of all shades giving a message of unity in diversity, all over again. While playing Holi, we forget all bars of society like, religion, caste and creed. There is only one differentiation, which color to splash your friends with, red, orange or green or yellow!! And your friend will be wondering how to surprisingly drench you and be the first one to attack!!

Just give it a thought. Simple shades of light, but spreading immense happiness and joy among thousands of masses! Amazing, isn’t it? When you touch the colored powder (herbal ones, nowadays!!), you can already hear the laughter, the happy screams of you and friends. You can hardly wait to throw the packet on them and start running for your life! Holi used to be a way of welcoming spring. But now, it is more of a dj playing dance floor, rain dance, and free drinks (and bhang) day. Well, time changes and ways modify or modernize. But it still spreads happiness among all and that’s what matters. Plus, it is a national holiday, so an extra day at home and a long weekend at times.

But for some unfortunate souls called corporate freaks, Holi is a normal working day, with no fun whatsoever. They have to continue their boring life on earning bigger bucks and pleasing the foreigners, when their friends turn these special occasions into great memories. They obviously want to, but cant! When they will be leaving for office in their office cabs, you will be roaming the streets bashed in all possible shades like colored monkeys laughing loudly at those suited techies. Pathetic, isn’t it? Even doctors get a chance to enjoy this day in their hospitals!! Only the poor pitiful geeks with big specs are deprived of this soulful event.

 So this Holi, be kind. If you come across anyone who is walking down the street in formals and a laptop bag in hand, please throw some colors on that poor soul and make his/her day a little colorful. Trust me, he/she would thank you and you will save that person from his/her misery!! If they shout at you, well, run away!! J  You are doing that person a huge favor.

So, come on, splash colors and smiles! Stay colorful! Happy Holi!!