Festival of love and colours
Festivals in India are a reflection of the country’s cultural and religious richness.Holi is one such festival, as it spreads goodwill among people.
However, revellers often get drunk on thandai (a soft drink) laced with bhaang (an intoxicant) and behave in a rowdy manner.
Other than this, there are other problems too.Mischief-makers apply colours that are harmful for the skin on others.
Several instances of sexual abuse have also been reported while playing Holi.People should remember that the festival of Holi is about spreading joy.
Forcing the rituals on people who do not want to take part in the festival is wrong.Dowsing unsuspecting passers-by with coloured water and throwing balloons filled with coloured water on them is unacceptable.
A celebration for some should not turn into a nightmare for others.Holi is a festival of colours and a festival of love.
It is an ancient Hindu religious festival, which has become popular with many non-Hindus too taking part in the festivities.
But as we get into the spirit of this festival, it is important to be watchful about your skin and body too.
The saying, “Bura na mano Holi hai”, is meant to allow even strangers to apply colours on each other without inhibitions.
But this practice is often wrongfully taken advantage of. Not only do people forcefully apply colours on others, but women and teenage girls have also been molested in the garb of doing so.
Merriment can be boundless, but at the same time, it should not encroach beyond other people’s boundaries.
Holi celebrations can be ruined if children are not taught to play safely with colours — from falling sick to being bullied on the streets.
Here are some things parents need to keep in mind before sending their kids out to enjoy the festival of colours.
Chemical colours can harm your child’s skin.To keep your kids safe, you can get them to make natural colours at home or buy herbal colours for playing.
Before stepping out of the house to play Holi, make sure your child applies mustard or coconut oil or cream all over the body and face, especially the exposed areas.
This will help remove the colours easily.Also ensure that your kids wear full-sleeved clothes to help protect the body parts from colours.
Make sure that your child’s hair is tied properly so that when they play, the colours do not drip into their eyes.
You can also apply plenty of coconut oil on their hair to prevent the colours from reaching deep into the roots.
No matter how much your child loves to play, it does not call for any form of impropriety.
Tell your child that he/she cannot put colours on someone forcefully or bully them for not being a part of the game.
If possible, do not let your child step out during the peak hours of the celebration to avoid becoming a victim of hooliganism.
Ensure that your child does not run around on wet surfaces to avoid chances of an injury.
Get your child to drink plenty of water.It is important to keep children hydrated.Don’t let your kids roam around in wet clothes for long.
Once your child has finished playing, get him or her to change the wet clothes to avoid catching a cold and falling sick.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Mumbai, India
