Colour code for Holi

Holi is back and so is all the masti associated with it! We all know about the synthetic colours in the market and what they contain — chalk powder, asbestos, mica, powdered glass…. But should that stop you and me from having fun? No way!

Colour code

For those who are skin-conscious, the best way to beat the unsightly stains is by sticking to herbal, natural colours made from plants and dried flowers, now available at various malls in the city. These are easier to wash than chemical dyes and thus kinder on your skin. If you aren’t as concerned about the fate of your skin, use gulaal of different shades. That means steer clear of wet dyes.

Youngsters can use water-based colours with discretion. After all, the pichkari can be a lot of fun!

Remember, choose synthetic colours from reputed stores rather than the unpacked variety. Also, stick to pinks and reds as these cause less irritation.

Dress code

Get a white kurta or T-shirt ready. White kurtas look best when coloured. Colourful caps can be trendy, too.

Whatever you choose, opt for clothes that cover skin maximally. Wearing thick denims and white, full-sleeved shirts is the best option. Colourful hat and sunglasses can be worn too for that extra protection for hair and eyes.

Allergy

For the asthmatic and allergy prone, have the word ‘sensitive’ written on your T-shirt as a warning for others to be careful. Inform the people you are playing with in advance of your concerns and they are sure to handle you with care.

Skin care

Enjoy and have fun. Skin reactions to Holi colours are rare and usually mild and can be easily handled later without permanent damage. You should not be afraid and spoil all the fun. However, if you are already suffering from an eczema, be careful of overdoing it.

Be sure to do your homework before you venture out. Apply a generous amount of cream or oil on your skin. Also oil your hair, apply Vaseline on your lips and varnish your nails for an extra layer of protection to these areas. Moreover, after playing Holi, be gentle on the skin and don’t try to remove all the residual colour in one day.

And for those who stay indoors for fear of a reaction, don’t be scared. Holi is the most colourful festival, comes only once a year and helps lift spirits (with or without the intoxicants!). But just in case, for your own peace of mind, keep a post-Holi remedy tray ready with moisturising creams, anti-allergy tablets, and Caladryl lotion. Plus, a doctor’s number just in case. You won’t need it though…

Have a green holi

When you are lighting the Holi pyre, be kind to trees. Avoid burning an unnecessary amount of wood. Arrange the event for a larger group to minimise the number of fires lit and you would have done your bit for the planet’s natural splash of colour.

t2