Holi water: Talk in the town about celebrating the festival of colours
From observing World Water Day that falls on March 22 to being considerate to animals, Hyderabadis share their Holi plans
World Water Day
The idea is to make people think twice about how much water they waste. Water is a finite resource that is fundamental to human well-being. Don’t waste it. Many local NGOs in the city have also spread awareness on the issue through SMS and social networking sites.
Cops on duty
Like all festival most of us remain on duty. This festival some youth drink more than what they can hold. Sometimes it leads to quarrel and goes beyond the acceptable norm. Violence and damage to property is not uncommon. We are going to do more patrolling, maximum coverage of area by Blue Colt motorcycles patrol and close watch through Special Branch. — Anjani Kumar, Addl. C.P. Law and Order.
No fun for animals
Avoid throwing colours on stray animals during your celebrations. The effect it has on them is disturbing to say the least. Shruti Darak, an animal right activist and member of animal shelter A place to bark says, “People throw toxic colours on strays, which they unknowingly lick. Firstly, it affects their skin and once it gets into their system, it leads to other complications.” In order to avoid such scenarios, Shruti along with her team mates have tied up with NGO’S including People for Animals (PFA) and Blue cross. “We plan to rescue strays off the street and provide them shelter,” she says, adding, “Also, please avoid hurtling eggs or throwing water at them.” — As told to G. SUNDER RAJ
‘Cool’ Holi
“Holi signifies a season change. This year, I am celebrating along with my team with children fighting cancer at MNJ Hospital, and creating a crowd funding for coolers to beat the heat in the children’s ward. The true festive celebration is in the joy of sharing. It’s going to be a cool Holi this time,” — Megha Dinesh,
founder Meghavi Spa
Hazards of colours
Every year on Holi, a large number of revelers are admitted to hospitals — mostly because of playing with toxic colours. “Holi is a festival of colours celebrated at the time of the harvest of the Rabi crop and the arrival of spring. Traditionally, it was celebrated in ancient days using natural colours like saffron, turmeric etc. In the current age, most commercially available colours are synthetic and contain a lot of toxins. In general there are three categories of colours in the market — pastes, dry powder and water colours. These could be hazardous,” warns Dr Ravindra Nallagonda, consultant, Interventional Pulmonology, critical care & sleep medicine, Global Hospitals.
No pichkaris, just a dry Holi
I play Holi with my kids by inviting their friends home and cooking yummy food and painting nice art works with colours and exchanging them. Being responsible is creating awareness in your family, teaching kids the importance of your culture and keeping the natural resources in mind. — Ruchika Sharma, celebrity chef
I always plan the day with family and friends and use organic and dry colours keeping in mind the water we waste and the chemicals in artificial colours. That’s how you don’t deprive yourself of a colourful festival and yet be a responsible citizen. — Madhu Jain, director, Liberty21 Ventures Pvt Ltd.
