The fervour of Holi is at its peak as the count down begins. A very warm hello and wishes to everyone.
Celebrating Holi festivities with colours–
Playing with colours is fun. The aftermath is the dreaded phenomenon, especially by the mothers who have to sometimes rush to the Dermatologist with their kids suffering from skin or eye rash because of use of harmful chemical colors and oxides used during Holi. We all can relate or easily identify with this common situation.
Did you know? Skin is the largest organ we have and there was a mindful-step in place to protect it. Traditionally, holi colours were skin safe and therapeutic in nature, known to enhance the skin qualities. Dumbfounded by this finding, but it is true!
Quick 3 Tips on How to make holi colors at home?
Red Gulal colour-Sundried beetroot powder mix with corn-starch – This mixture helps to control oil content of the skin and works as a natural cleanser to deep clean the skin pores. Protect you from sunlight as well. Rose petals can also be used (Infuses nice fragrance and cooling to the skin)
Yellow Gulal Color-Mix Turmeric with finely grounded rice powder- This mixture acts as a skin disinfectant and gives a nice glow to the face.
Green Gulal Color-Dried spinach powder mixed with corn-starch-Spinach is rich source of foliate, vitamin K, magnesium and iron. It contains Vitamin E which keeps the skin healthy.
Sweet treat from the Yogic Kitchen—
Holi Hungry after playing with colours? While the bhang and gujiyas, the standard sweet treats are great fun, the upshot can sometimes steer you off your “reduce weight goal”
From the yogic diet kitchen try this recipe and keep the senses (Indriyas) “taste buds tingling,” but in a mindful and healthful way…
Ragi and Dates Ladoo –
Ragi, also known as nachani and finger millet, is red in color and is very nutritious. High in calcium, it is a rich source of minerals and helps to control diabetes as well as reduce bad cholesterol. Boasting of anti-microbial properties, ragi is also rich in antioxidants and hence has anti-cancer potential.
Dates are also a good source of various vitamins and minerals. Delivering energy, sugar and fiber, it also contains essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
Ragi and Dates Ladoo
Ingredients –
500 gm Ragi flour
750 gm Black dates
250 gm Ghee
25 gm Crushed walnuts/almonds
Method –
- In a shallow pan and low heat, dry roast nuts. Keep them aside to cool and then crush them.
- Finely chop dates or mash them in a separate pan.
- Now heat ghee in the pan and add the Ragi flour. Roast on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Mix all of the above (ragi, dates and nuts) together and stir for another 5 minutes.
- Take off the heat and let it cool.
- Apply ghee onto your palm; take 2-3 tbsp of the mixture and roll into a ladoo.
Variation –
Add sesame seeds/flax seeds/cardamom seeds or desiccated coconut/cinnamon powder for additional flavor.
The Yoga Institute -Wishing you all a very colourful, safe and healthy Holi.