Holi is a riot of colors celebrated with gaiety and lot of fanfare across different parts of India, Nepal, and around the world. Played with great enthusiasm under clouds of technicolored powder, Holi is usually celebrated to mark the start of a new season. Popularly known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is a celebration of the vibrancy of spring & fertility and commemorates the victory of good, peace and love over evil.

Millions take to the streets armed with water balloons and pichkaris (water guns) and to throw fistfuls of gulal. Traditionally, Holi was played with colors made out of turmeric and flower extracts while people smeared each other with sandalwood paste. However, these days synthetic powders & dyed water which contain toxic compounds are a commonplace and can cause serious damage to your skin and eyes especially if you don't exercise due caution. Some of the common threats to the skin include discoloration, dermatitis, abrasion, irritation, itching, rashes, eczema, and dryness. Moreover, some of these chemically treated colors can leave a detrimental impact on our ecosystem by entering the soil and rivers.

By following the below-mentioned tips, you can ensure you have a safe and fun-filled Holi and make the most out of Holi:

1. Invest in good quality organic colors that are made from herbal & vegetable extracts or better still, make them at home. Devoid of any chemicals, natural colors are not only easy to make but are also are easily washable from the skin and clothes. You can easily make these colors using flowers such as Marigold, Jacaranda, and Gulmohar or a combination of vegetables and fruits including Jamun, Beetroot, Neem, Spinach, and Coriander.

2. You can't really predict what products other people might use while playing Holi so it's best that you come prepared. Ensure you wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. Furthermore, apply a generous amount of moisturizing lotion or oil on your face, arms, legs and any exposed part of the skin. To protect your scalp and hair, apply coconut oil or alternatively, wear a cap, a bandana, or anything that is likely to protect your hair from being doused with synthetic dyes. Do not forget to apply a good quality waterproof sunscreen to safeguard your face from sun damage before stepping out

3. Avoid throwing or playing with water balloons or plastic bags as it can lead to serious damage to the eyes and ears. Further, ensure you protect your eyes by wearing a pair of sunglasses or goggles to safeguard yourself from a misfire of color-filled projectiles or water jets. If color somehow does manage to enter the eyes, immediately rinse them with cold water.

4. If possible, try and avoid using water completely. Practise a dry Holi with only colors and even flowers instead. This, in turn, will help save precious water as well.

5. To prevent your nails from getting stained or damaged, coat it with a transparent nail polish. Similarly, there’s a high likelihood of colored water coming in contact with your teeth so make use of dental caps to save your teeth from any unwanted stains.

6. Last but not the least, always make it a point to respect each other's independence on Holi. Avoid putting color on street animals and pets. They don't have any form of protection and it can be extremely harmful to them.

Final Thoughts

Holi is a time for celebration. We hope you follow the above mentioned tips in the right earnest as it will definitely keep you shielded from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals while also keeping the environment protected.

On behalf of all of us here at Aviva, we wish you and your family a happy, safe and fun-filled Holi!

AN Feb 71/18

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