Tips for a Safe Holi

Think Holi and images of people smearing one and all with colors is what comes to mind. Holi comes on the day of the full moon in March each year. In the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima and marks the onset of Spring. It celebrates the colors of nature since many trees starts to bloom during this period.

Earlier, the colored powders used during Holi used to contain special herbs such as henna (mehendi), margosa (neem), kumkum, turmeric (haldi), and bilva (bel). Today, these organic colors have been replaced by industrial colors manufactured through chemical processes which can have serious impact. Thus the consequence of Holi is not just spoilt clothes and floors, but skin and hair damage too due to the presence of chemicals in the colors used. Therefore, you should take safety measures, if you want to ensure a joyous and colorful Holi. Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to help you with the same:

Do's

• Apply coconut oil or cream all over your body on the morning of Holi. The oil will protect you from the harmful chemicals of the colors by preventing the penetration of toxins into the body through your skin. Later on, this will also help you to wash off the colors easily.
• Oil your hair well so that residue from the dyes does not get stuck to your hair and scalp. Also apply vaseline to your lips.
• Apply thick coating of paint on your finger nails and toe nails to keep them protected.
• Wear clothes which cover up as much of your body as possible so that your sensitive body parts are not exposed to the harmful chemicals of the colors. For example: full sleeved shirt or t-shirt, socks and bottoms that cover your legs fully.
• Use a hat, cap or anything like that to protect your hair from being colored with hard-to-rinse dyes.
• Colors and sunlight combined may cause a "photo toxic" reaction, so sunscreens are a must.
• Eyes are extremely vulnerable on Holi. Ensure that your eyes remain protected at all times. Wash with plenty of clean water should any color get into your eyes accidentally. See a doctor if the irritation still persists. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from colored water.
• Contact lens users should refrain from using their lenses as colors contain lead, chromium, sulphates and other chemical components that may result in excessive dryness of the lenses.
• When attacked on face with colors, keep your eyes and lips tightly closed.
• Choose organic or herbal colors that are easily available in the market. You can also make herbal colors at home by using substances like mehendi (henna powder) for bright green color, haldi (turmeric powder) for yellow color and red sandalwood powder for red color.
• Take a bath only after the entire Holi celebration is over. Avoid washing your face frequently as it will have a drying effect your skin.
• When removing gulal, try to remove it by dry hand first and then wash it off with water. Trying to remove it with water first will make it spread and it will stick more to the body.
• While washing off the color, use lukewarm water and a mild moisturizing soap and keep your eyes and lips tightly closed. The skin gets dehydrated and dull after washing off the color, so apply moisturiser on the entire body after taking a bath.
• If you are traveling, keep the car windows tightly shut. Better still, avoid traveling on this day.

Don'ts

• Say no to facials, waxing or threading, in the week preceeding Holi.
• Do not apply colors anywhere near the eyes / nose / ears / open wounds.
• Do not use eggs / mud / dirt to play Holi.
• Avoid running or jumping on wet floors, so that you don't slip and injure yourself.
• Do not buy synthetic colors and loose powdered dyes.
• Don't overdo fried foods and sweets. It might break into acne.
• Do not force anyone to play if they do not prefer it.
• Do not inhale gulal or color powders as they may affect your respiratory tract causing irritation, cough and difficulty in breathing.
• Do not drive if you are high on alcohol or bhang.
• Stay away from bhang especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Encourage yourself, friends and family to play a safe Holi this year!

Happy Holi!