It’s time to welcome the most beautiful season of the year, the Spring Season. With the advent of Spring the much-awaited festival of the year that is the occasion of Holi. People inhabiting all the corners of India celebrate Holi with high zeal and fervour.

But before the celebration commences we need to register in our mind some basic safety norms which contribute towards a hygienic festivity, protecting the environment and keeping the human body safe.

Mr Nandan Mall, Founder & MD of Hulladek Recycling, Dr M S Purkait, Medical Superintendent,Techno India Dama Hospital and Dr Soham Basak, Consultant, Disha Eye Hospitals shared some valuable insights for an Environment Friendly celebration of colours. Following the below mentioned safeguards we can together contribute towards a Pollution free earth, a better place for living.

1.  Water Wastage Caution – The recent ongoing water crisis in Bengaluru is an example of the acute water shortage which can hugely impact the day-to-day life of the people and environment as a whole. This Holi, let’s not unnecessarily waste water for temporary joy. Avoid mixing of colours in natural water bodies like lake, ponds and well as this disturbs the natural water balance and is a life threat for the animals and plants. Also, thrashing water balloons and firing of colour pickers can be avoided or its use can be reduced.
2.  Waste Management – After the celebration is over, it is advisable to throw the remaining Water balloons, plastic pichkaris, flowers, plates and other used materials in a proper garbage bin so that it can collected and dumped to a safe and remote place. Such a planned move contributes in the smooth recycling of waste so that the natural environment and lives inhibited around will not get affected by foul smells and emission of poisonous gases.
3.  Use Of Eco-Friendly Containers – Avoid storing the celebration materials and foods in plastic or rubber containers which is harmful for nature’s and human health.
4.  Be Alert Regarding Noise Pollution – A responsible citizen is an asset for the nation. During any occasion, it is always imperative to be aware of the basic civic responsibilities. There must be a limit on the sound level while the celebration goes on. High music causes disturbance among the elderly generation and frightening issues among children.
5.  Flora-Fauna Friendly Colours – Natural colours made from home-based products are a much better and safer option to play Holi. These can be easily made and offer a safer option for celebration as compared to synthetic colours. Haldi mixed with besan or flour can give a yellow colour and work as a face mask at the same time. Petals of the Palash flower can be used to obtain a saffron colour. Beetroot soaked in water provides a bright magenta colour. Henna Powder, Gulmohar, and Hibiscus Flowers etc. can also be used to make different colours.
6.  Protection For Pregnant Women & New Born Children – The synthetic colours contain chemicals such as endotoxins and heavy metals which can cause moderate to severe health problems for the woman who is undergoing a state of pregnancy and the kids. These chemical-laden colours result in skin issues, respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, corneal aberration and ocular damage. The Pregnant Woman and the children should indulge as much less as they can in the Holi celebrations.
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Adding to the precautionary measures and an environment-protected celebration Dr S Purkait of Techno India DAMA Hospital highlights that

1.  We must try to use natural colours as these are less harmful. Before playing with colours we need to apply light oil on our skin and hair.
2.  We must avoid playing with open hair as the synthetic colours can cause permanent damage.
3.  We must make use of protective sunglasses.
4.  Our celebration will be incomplete without the Holi Special Platter but one should not refrain from the fact that this is the month of sheer heat and the environment around is also unfavourable. All these can lead to indigestion and also liver trouble. So, we need to consume less oily and spicy food.
5.  We must drink plenty of plain water. Consuming Coconut water and pure lassi, cools and heals the throat and is also a healthy substance for maintaining a stable human health.
6.  Strictly say ‘No’ to Alcohol and avoid taking any addictive products like Bhang and other kind of drugs to make the celebration prolonged and enjoy a deep hangover. In case, the gathering compels you then take alcohol but in a controlled amount.
7.  The mounting threat of Adeno Virus infection should be kept in mind. This is now a serious disease, especially in children. The elder generation also needs to be careful. The gathering and celebration can be a strong factor in affecting everyone with the Virus.

Dr Soham Basak of Disha Eye Hospitals throws light on the causes of eye infection during Holi and the remedial steps which can be taken to prevent and cure the same.

1.  Synthetic yellow colours used in Holi contain heavy metals like lead causing pink eye, corneal abrasion, and chemical burn. Such colours should be avoided as they can have a telling effect on the kids.
2.  Shining mica particles in red colour are harmful and should be avoided as they can cause damage to the cornea.
3.  Green/ bluish-green synthetic colours contain malachite green – which is highly toxic and can lead to ocular surface burns, disfigurement of the eyes and even blindness.
4.  Kids tend to enjoy water balloons the most. But they are the most important cause of blunt eye injury. If kids eyes are hit by balloons full of colour, the eyeballs may get severely damaged, can cause bleeding inside the eye and may even lead to retinal detachment.
5.  Water guns are the rage now. Jets of water at high speed can also damage your eyes.

Eyes care during Holi:

1.  Protect eyes by wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear while playing with colours
2.  Never put colour on others around the eyes!
3.  Fasten or tie hair together by using a cap to prevent colour from dripping into the eyes
4.  Never rub your eyes if colours enter into them as this may cause irritation or vision loss
5.  Apply thick layers of coconut oil around your eyes as it will help the colour to get off easily without causing harm to the eyes
6.  It is always important to keep an eye on the kids.
7.  If the colour has entered the eyes – immediately wash your eyes with clean tap water or drinking water. Wash thoroughly.
8.  Visit your local eye specialist for immediate treatment. Severe injuries may require referral to a super-specialised eye hospital.
9.  Eye drops such as an antibiotic (ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin) and artificial tear drops (carboxymethyl cellulose) may be applied safely. Do not self-medicate with steroid eye drops without consulting a doctor first.

Remember – safety is the best policy!