Holi in India revels in explosions of colors. Holi celebrations add meaning to our lives and a break from rules and everyday patterns. Holi in India is a time to celebrate our love for colors.

For some, Holi celebration is a time of worship, for some it is the only time to act rowdy, and for some it is the time to muster courage and declare love. But for most of us, Holi celebrations mean being able to act the deviant with social approval. That some times things are carried a bit too far is real and unacceptable, for it detracts from the joy that is Holi in India. And sometimes, people stay indoors and fear Holi celebrations to avoid untoward incidents, and that too kills the social fun of Holi in India. If the entire people cannot join in gay abandon and without fear then Holi celebrations lose meaning in our rich culture and heritage of tolerance.

After having said that, I would still insist that some critics too carry it a bit too far spreading paranoia about Holi celebrations, and blaming everybody else, but themselves, for social problems. I believe like every other celebration what we need is safe enjoyment, and spread of awareness if Holi in India is to remain fun-filled. To ensure safe Holi celebration we need to contribute ourselves in spreading awareness, changing habits, and changing ourselves if need be so that Holi in India can continue in its grand tradition.

Some Safety Rules To Follow in Holi Celebration:

1. Be careful about anything getting into your eyes, immediately wash with cold and clean water. Do not rub your eyes to get rid of any irritation. It is a good idea to wear sunglasses while going out.

2. Try to avoid chemical dyes and those who use it. There are plenty of natural colors and eco-friendly colors now available in the market. Use them to play Holi, especially with children.

3. Do not force Holi celebrations upon anybody, and do not encourage such forcing.

4. If you drink or share Bhang, do so within limits and preferably get home as soon as possible. Bhang usually gives you about half an hour to one hour before you start to get high. Enough time to get home and be safe.

5. It is best to limit your Holi revelry within family, friends and close and amicable neighbors. Avoid strangers and you can avoid a lot of pain.

6. Store up water beforehand (if you subsist on external water supply) for water is surely going to run short and a lot of it is needed to wash off the colors and grime.

7. Make it sure that your children are aware of the cultural significance of Holi.

8. Apply oil on your face and hairs before leaving home. Colors become easier to scrub off.

9. Paint for war at your home itself with safe holi colors. Anything that touches you outside will fall over that protective coating.

10. Avoid crowds of unknown people.

And that is sufficient, for a nice Holi. The part of India where I grew up, two days of the year were famous for assassinations and murders. The first was the night of Kali Puja both for religious significance to some sects as also for the deep darkness, and the next was Holi celebration for it was easy for an assassin to get in and out in masses of colors and unrecognizable faces. However, that never kept the entire populace from enjoying and celebrating either Holi or Kali Puja. Because, most people, the ordinary masses, are not involved in crime or criminal activities, and neither are they any target of vendettas. Just follow the rules given here and have a great Holi celebration.

By: Surajitsen Sharma

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Hindi Children's Book- Sonu's Festivals- Holi Diwali Rakhi