Holi Haiiiiiiii!

The festival I dread the most is round the corner. It always manages to evoke and stir up unpleasant memories. I especially remember one particular year, when I was around 8, when one of my friends poured a bucketful of gulal over my head. Some of it entered my mouth, and next thing I knew I was just retching and puking everything inside of me. Even now, I shudder when I think about the whole episode. And still I know I was lucky to walk away unscathed.
Each year we read about mishaps resulting sometimes in deaths, blindness and more. However, these mishaps can well be avoided if the necessary precautions are taken.

This festival was traditionally celebrated using natural coloured extracts from seasonal herbs. However gradually, these natural herbs were replaced by synthetic dyes, most of which contain a plethora of harmful chemicals.

Did you know that these seemingly harmless, "pleasing to eye" colours could be toxic. This is because of the presence of cheap materials like mica, acids, alkalis, pieces of glass, which not only induce skin disorders like abrasion, irritation, itching, but can impair vision, cause respiratory problems and also cancer.

Click here to learn more on how to celebrate Holi in a safe way. Click here for some special Holi recipes.

P.S Do respect the wishes of those who do not wish to participate in the festivities and this year..

Have a Safe Holi!!!