Five ways to play it safe this Holi

Amid the riot of powdered colours and watery splashes that Holi brings, revellers should not ignore safety measures. The festival of colours will be celebrated on Monday. Here are five tips to help you stay safe this Holi.

Amid the riot of powdered colours and watery splashes that Holi brings, revellers should not ignore safety measures. The festival of colours will be celebrated on Monday. Here are five tips to help you stay safe this Holi.

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1) Keep away from synthetic colours
Synthetic colours can cause irritation, dermatitis and blisters. It can also lead to permanent skin pigmentation. They can also cause temporary blindness. Colour pastes are sometimes mixed with toxic compounds. Try celebrating Holi with organic colours.

2) Watch out for those water balloons
Water balloons can cause serious injury if they hit the eyes or ears. An eye injury can cause loss of vision. The water colour used in the balloons may also be toxic and lead to emergency situations. Traditional colours can be made at home using turmeric, boiled beetroot and onions.

3) Don't forget to take breathers
While the best way to stay safe remains the use of natural colours, those celebrating Holi should reduce their hours of revellery or take breaks. If a person plays Holi continuously for more than six-seven hours, it can lead to burns, blisters or allergy, discolouration (reversible) and acne. Breaks are advised.

5) The good old oil tactic
A traditional precaution is to use a protective layer between skin and the colours — preferably oil or an ointment. Use lukewarm after playing with Holi to clean up. And do it quick, as tasty Holi food awaits.