Friend or foe no matter... it’s time to embrace the festive fervour with wild abandon. Put on your ragged best and jump into the fray shouting Holi hai! Yes, the festival of colours — of spring — is here. But before you dash out of the house with all your playful paraphernalia, do keep a few pointers in mind to ensure that the true spirit of the festival is not lost.
The Do’s and Don’ts to keep it happy and safe:
- Don’t splash colours on resisting individuals. It’s not cool people!
- As far as possible, keep it dry. It's criminal to waste huge quantities of water just for fun. What say?
- Stick to organic colours and gulaal — saves a whole lot rashes the day after
- Your clothing should protect as much of your skin as possible — try wearing full sleeves; put on a cotton cap or something to protect your hair
- Oil your hair well and keep it tied in a neat plait or bun to ensure less damage
- Please, for Christ’s sake, don’t drag poor street dogs into your Holi frenzy. Throwing colours on them is a NO! Period
- Dental caps might be a good idea to keep your teeth from getting stained; sunglasses will do a good job of keeping your eyes safe from the harmful colours
- Use lukewarm water to wash off the colour from your body. Don’t scrub yourself pink — the colour will come out in a day or two
- Confine your revelry to open spaces — try not to damage public property or premises
- Don’t flirt under the pretext of bhaang, if it makes the person at the receiving end uncomfortable. Gotta keep it decent, right?