Are your munchkins counting the days to talk red, yellow, blue and all the other colours of the rainbow? Holi is just around the corner and so is the excitement!
From the littlest bubs to the oldest teens, everyone will want a piece of the action. The buzz in the air ranges from latest pichkari in the market to plotting the best way to burst those water balloons to get revenge for last year’s dunking!
Once that you have a list of everything you'll need for this Holi, arm your children with some safety tips as well. Here are a few important things to remember to have a safe and happy Holi.
Out of sight and you’ll mind: Adult supervision is non-negotiable, particularly for younger children. Large containers of water and little children are a dangerous mix as toddlers can slip, fall and hurt themselves. So be present and stay vigilant at all times.
Non-toxic is the way to go: Today, there are several non-toxic and eco-friendly options for Holi games in the market. Even better, have twice the fun making some of your own with materials from your kitchen. This is especially important if you have a little moppet who could swallow a thing or two by accident.
Pichkaari etiquette: Water jets can hurt. Faces, mouths, eyes, and ears are a no-no. Teach your child to use their pichkaari without hurting anyone. Keep the big ones away from your little ones.
No mouthfuls: Synthetic colours, powder, or gel-based ones contain a number of harmful chemicals which when ingested could cause severe reactions, even poisoning. The safest way to go is to strictly prohibit children from throwing or dunking colours in a way that it will be swallowed.
The eyes have it: If colours enter your child’s eye, wash the eye with plenty of water. Do not to rub it. If your child experiences any change in vision, pain, or excessive redness of the eyes, visit the doctor. Toddlers are especially prone to rub their eyes, so beware.
Wardrobe essentials: The Holi dress code is simple — old clothes that cover everything. Just make sure you protect sensitive skin. If you'd like to see the colours better, choose something white, pastel, or relatively plain.
Well-oiled preparation: Apply oil or cream all over the body and hair to prevent the colours from hurting the skin. This will help protect the skin and hair from the harmful effects of the colours.
The ritual bath: Sigh! Remember that merciless scrubbing you endured later? Use turmeric and besan to remove the colours from your child’s skin. Avoid using soap, as it might be harsh on the skin, especially for little ones who have already had a rough day.
Be prepared: Keep a list of emergency contacts ready, including those of your paediatrician.
The feast for all: No festival is complete without food. So go ahead and enjoy the goodies. Share some with the neighbours as well!
Note that while most of these rules apply to everyone, toddlers are especially susceptible. So keep an eye out for them as you celebrate the gorgeous hues of life at the festival! Happy Holi!!