A colourful celebration

HOLI’S MYRIAD HUES

 Holi, the vibrant festival of colours, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and in many parts of the world. While most people are familiar with the colourful celebrations and the joyous spirit of Holi, there are several lesser-known facts about this festival that add to its rich cultural tapestry.

Ecological significance: While Holi is primarily a cultural and religious festival, it also has ecological significance. The Holika Dahan is traditionally performed using wood from specific trees that have medicinal properties. The heat from the bonfire is believed to purify the air and kill bacteria, which is particularly beneficial at the onset of spring when diseases are more likely to spread. This practice highlights the ancient wisdom of using natural elements for health and well-being.

Traditional colours: The colours used in Holi, known as "gulal" and "abir," were traditionally made from natural ingredients like flowers, herbs, and minerals. For instance, yellow was made from turmeric, red from flowers like kewada, and green from neem leaves. These natural colours were not only safe for the skin but also had therapeutic benefits. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in using such natural colors to avoid the harmful effects of synthetic dyes.

Holi in different regions: Holi is celebrated differently in various regions of India, each with its own unique customs and traditions. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Holi is celebrated with great fervour and is known as "Lathmar Holi." Here, women playfully hit men with sticks, symbolising the playful acts of Radha and her friends with Krishna. In the state of Manipur, Holi is celebrated for six days and is known as "Yaoshang," where people build and burn a thatched hut to signify the burning of Holika.

Historical significance: Holi has been celebrated for centuries and has been metioned in ancient texts and inscriptions. The festival is described in the 7th-century Sanskrit drama "Ratnavali" by Harsha, and it is also depicted in ancient paintings and murals. This historical continuity highlights the enduring nature of Holi as a cultural and religious festival. 

Role of music and dance: Music and dance play a crucial role in Holi celebrations. Traditional songs, known as "Holi geet" or "Phagwah geet," are sung during the festival, often accompanied by instruments like the dhol and manjeera. These songs celebrate the love of Radha and Krishna and the joy ofspring. In some regions, there are specific dance forms associated with Holi, such as the "Dhamal" dance in Haryana, which is performed to the beats of the dhol.

Global influence: Holi has gained popularity worldwide with many countries adopting the festival's colorful and joyous spirit. In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Holi celebrations are becoming increasingly common, often organised by Indian communities and attended by people from diverse backgrounds. This global influence has also led to the creation of events like "colour run" a 5km race where participants are doused with coloured powder at various checkpoints. 

In art and literature: Holi has been a source of inspiration for many poets, writers, and artists. It has been depicted in numerous works of literature, paintings, and sculptures, capturing the essence of the festival's joy and vibrancy. The festival's themes of love, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil have been explored in various forms of art, making Holi a significant cultural symbol.

Post-Holi rituals: After the day of Holi, there are several post-festival rituals that are observed in different regions. In some parts of India, people apply sandalwood paste on their bodies to soothe the skin after being exposed to colours. In others, special sweets like gujiya and mathri are prepared and shared among family and friends. These rituals add a sense of closure to the festival and reinforce the bonds of community and family.

Holi is more than just a festival of colours; it is a celebration of life, love, and the triumph of good over evil. Its rich history, diverse traditions, and cultural significance make it a unique and cherished festival. As Holi continues to be celebrated across the world, it serves as a reminder of the power of joy, unity, and tradition in bringing people together. 

Mountains of Seven Colours

THE RAINBOW MOUNTAINS OF PERU 

The Rainbow Mountains of Peru, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), are a stunning natural wonder located in the Andes Mountains near Cusco. Their vibrant colours come from the sedimentary mineral layers that have been exposed over time due to erosion.

How Were the Rainbow Mountains Formed?

The colours of Vinicunca come from mineral deposits in the rock layers, exposed over thousands of years due to erosion. Each colour represents a different mineral:

Red: Iron oxide (rust)

Yellow: Iron sulphide 

Green: Chlorite (rich in magnesium and copper)

Brown and Purple: Manganese and claystone

White: Quartz and sandstone

Key Facts about the Rainbow Mountains:

Altitude: Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level

Location: Around 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Cusco

Vinicunca was covered by ice until about 2015 when climate change and melting ice revealed its colorful layers!

Author of Harry Potter

J. K. ROWLING 

You already must have been hooked onto Harry’s adventures in the magical world. But before the enchanting world of Harry Potter came to life, its creator, J.K. Rowling had faced many challenges. Her story is a magical reminder of how remaining brave, consistent and creative can turn dreams into reality.

In the early 1990s, Rowling was a single mother living in Scotland. She struggled with difficult times, including loneliness and sadness. Despite these hardships, Rowling held onto her dream of becoming a published author.

Rowling spent hours writing in local cafes, often with her baby daughter by her side. She faced rejection from many publishers before Bloomsbury, a small publishing house, decided to publish her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Even after the first book was published in 1997, Rowling’s success was not immediate. It was only with the release of the following books and their movie adaptations that the Harry Potter series became a worldwide sensation.

What makes Rowling’s story so inspiring is not just her success, but the journey she took to achieve it. She used her struggles as inspiration for her writing, creating characters that were relatable and engaging.

Rowling’s dedication to her writing and her belief in herself are important lessons not only for the young aspiring writers but also to all of us. Her story shows that failure is not the end, but a stepping stone to success, and that challenges can lead to great achievements.

Today, J.K. Rowling is one of the most successful authors in the world. The Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and has inspired a whole generation of readers and writers.

Her story is a reminder that no dream is too big and that with hard work and belief in oneself, anything is possible. So what do the characters in her books teach you?

Do you know

WHY IS SUGAR WATER STICKY?

Sugar water is sticky because sugar molecules have a strong affinity for water molecules, forming hydrogen bonds between them. When sugar dissolves in water, the individual sugar molecules become surrounded by water molecules, creating a sticky solution. This stickiness arises from the cohesive forces between the water molecules and the adhesive forces between the water molecules and the sugar molecules. As a result, when sugar water comes into contact with surfaces, the adhesive forces cause it to cling to those surfaces, producing the sensation of stickiness. The more concentrated the sugar solution, the stickier it tends to be due to the increased number of sugar molecules available to form bonds with water molecules.

Story from Greek mythology

PANDORA AND THE BOX

Once upon a time in ancient Greece, there lived a woman named Pandora. She was crafted by the gods themselves—a woman of extraordinary beauty, grace and curiosity. Pandora’s existence was a divine gift, though she had no idea that her fate was intertwined with a mysterious box that would change the world forever.

One day, Zeus, the king of the Gods, decided to teach Prometheus, a Titan, a lesson. Prometheus had defied the Gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity, an act that enraged Zeus. To punish both Prometheus and humankind, Zeus ordered Hephaestus, the God of craftsmanship, to create Pandora, the first mortal woman. Hephaestus shaped her with exceptional care, and each of the Gods bestowed upon her a unique gift.

Pandora was breathtakingly beautiful, but she was also given an insatiable sense of curiosity—a trait the Gods intended to use for their own purpose. As part of their plan, they presented her with a stunning box decorated with intricate patterns and divine symbols. However, this was no ordinary gift. Within the box were sealed all the troubles, sorrows and hardships of the world. The Gods warned Pandora never to open it.

For a long time, Pandora obeyed the God’s command and lived a joyful life alongside her husband, Epimetheus. But with each passing day, her curiosity grew stronger until it became unbearable. The box seemed to whisper to her, calling her to unlock its secrets.

One fateful day, Pandora could resist her temptation no longer. Trembling with anticipation, she lifted the lid—just a crack. In an instant, a dark, swirling mass of shadowy creatures erupted from the box, spreading like smoke throughout the room. They brought chaos, pain and despair, filling the world with sorrow. Pandora, horrified by what she had done, tried to close the box, but it was too late. All the troubles had escaped.

However, as she wept over the destruction she had unleashed, Pandora noticed a faint glow emanating from the bottom of the box. She peered inside and saw a small, glimmering light—hope. It flickered gently, like a fragile flame, but its warmth was undeniable. Though filled with guilt, Pandora held onto that light, realizing that hope was humanity’s greatest gift.

From that day forward, humans faced hardships and suffering, but they also carried the flame of hope within their hearts. No matter how dark the days became, hope reminded them that brighter days could lie ahead.

The tale of Pandora and her box serves as a timeless reminder that curiosity, though powerful, can bring both blessings and burdens. Yet, even in the midst of despair, there is always a spark of hope to guide us through life’s trials.

Do you know

WHY DOES HITTING EQUIPMENT SOMETIMES FIX IT?

This phenomenon is known as percussive maintenance. It temporarily works by restoring broken connections or loose contacts in electronic devices. A gentle tap can re-establish these connections momentarily, but the issue will likely return unless fixed properly, such as by soldering. For remote controls, corroded batteries are often the culprit, as oxidized metals block energy flow. Hitting may briefly improve contact, but replacing the batteries is the real solution. However, frequent or forceful hits can damage your device further, making it less reliable over time. 

Breaking barriers and shaping the future

CELEBRATING WOMEN ACHIEVERS 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is essential to recognise and applaud the remarkable contributions of women across various fields. Women have broken barriers, challenged societal norms, and paved the way for future generations. Their achievements continue to inspire millions, proving that dedication, intelligence and perseverance know no bounds.

Women in Science and Technology: India’s Dr. Tessy Thomas, known as the Missile Woman of India, has played a crucial role in developing ballistic missiles, proving that women can lead in defence and space technology. Globally, Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, revolutionised science with her research on radioactivity. Women continue to make groundbreaking advancements in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), inspiring the next generation.

Women in Medicine and Healthcare: In the field of healthcare, Dr. Suniti Solomon made history by diagnosing India’s first HIV/AIDS case and setting up the country’s first voluntary testing and counselling centre. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree, paved the way for women of colour in medicine. Today, Indian women doctors and frontline healthcare workers continue to fight pandemics, illnesses and health crises, showcasing their unwavering dedication to saving lives.

Women in Engineering and Space Exploration: 

Women have been at the forefront of engineering and space missions. India’s women scientists at ISRO played a crucial role in the success of Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, making India proud on the global stage. Emily Warren Roebling, who was the one behind the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, was one of the first female field engineers. Their contributions prove that women belong to every sector, including those once dominated by men.

Women in Politics and Leadership: In governance, Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister, left a lasting legacy through her leadership. Globally, Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, proved to be a strong, decisive leader in the European Union. Women leaders, from K. K. Shailaja in India to Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand, have been instrumental in handling crises and shaping policies.

Women in Sports and Athletics: Indian sportswomen have shattered records and challenged gender norms in sports. P.T. Usha, Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu and Hima Das have brought global recognition to Indian athletics, boxing, badminton, weightlifting and sprinting. Their dedication and perseverance continue to inspire young girls to take up sports fearlessly.This International Women’s Day, let us take a moment to recognise and appreciate the incredible efforts of women in science, technology, medicine, politics, engineering, sports and beyond. Women continue to break barriers, uplift societies, and contribute towards a better, more equitable world.

A future of equality and empowerment: As we celebrate the achievements of trailblazing women, we must also commit ourselves to supporting and empowering future generations. Every girl should have the freedom to dream, the right to education and the opportunity to excel in any field she chooses.This Women’s Day, let’s pledge to champion gender equality, amplify women’s voices, and create a world where every woman and girl can thrive. Together, we can ensure that women are not just included but celebrated in every aspect of life.