Bura Maano Holi Hai

As an Indian, I have heard this phrase as many times as many hair on my head. It basically suggests to not mind any actions BECAUSE it is Holi. Hun?? ??

From childhood itself, it did not sit right with me. Let me share the reasons why we should change this tagline to Bura Maano Holi Hai ?? (???? ???? ???? ??)

Issue 1: Water Wastage

As mentioned in my earlier article about water usage in Generative AI cooling centers that is increasing the load on existing resources, the same applies to this festival. The Bangalore water shortage is alarming evidence of the crisis that the world will face in the near future, if we continue to waste it. Bura Naa Maano Holi Hai ??

Very basic individual efforts like storing & using water filter waste water and using alarm bells to avoid overflow from water tanks combined with community efforts of rainwater harvesting can easily meet 50% water needs of any society, state, or country. ???

It is estimated that, on average, each person wastes 20-30 Liters of water on Holi which amounts to several gallons of water usage which is majorly avoidable. ?? In addition, water balloons are the perfect garnish on the 9 billion metric tons of global plastic waste.

Thus, I wish to remind you that this is a festival of COLORS, not WATER. ??

Issue 2: Pollution of Air, Water & Soil

The toxic colors & dyes used are highly structured polymers that do not decompose biologically. A lot of synthetic colors contain mica, silica, asbestos and glass. Therefore, the chances of contamination of soil and water are quite high and its consequences are grave. The presence of heavy metals & carcinogens makes the damage to human & environmental health permanent & irreversible. ?

Additionally, the amount of color that gets trapped in the surrounding air for days worsens the condition of those struggling with pulmonary disorders like asthma & allergies. Bura Maano Holi Hai ??

A day before Holi is the Holika Dahan which symbolizes victory of good over evil yet, it ends up releasing Carbon dioxide, Carbon Monoxide & Particulates into the environment. It is as detrimental as air pollution from vehicles or pollen.

Apart from the above, songs played on extremely loud speakers or processions for hours on end become a communal nuisance. Bura Maano Holi Hai ??

Issue 3: Dermatology Condition & Aggravation

Itching & burning sensations are felt by several people playing Holi due to synthetic powders. Wet colors are more harmful as they stay in contact with the skin for a longer time.

The removal of the more permanent & metallic dyes causes more rashes, pains, and skin erosions. For those suffering from dermatologic conditions, the problem is worsened. ?

Hundreds of cases of ear, eye & skin infections are reported in Delhi NCR alone; you can calculate for the rest of the country. Bura Naa Maano Holi Hai ??

Issue 4: Animal Abuse

The aforementioned health effects are hazardous to animals too, be it your furry friends at home or scummy strays outside. Dry powders, water, or wet colors, all are harmful to their physical health as they were neither told to put on coconut oil before Holi nor to cleanse afterward. They are prone to skin reactions and wheezing just like us humans.

Unfortunately, in the name of Entertainment, these poor animals are subjected to cruelty & abuse by kids & adults alike. Chasing them around or throwing colors & balloons at them causes deep psychological & emotional impact.? Bura Naa Maano Holi Hai ??

Even more shameful is the fact that female dogs are raped, especially around the holidays. How sick ?And when they lose the trust of the entire human race & become aggressive or rather protective of themselves, they are the ones banned or killed; while the perpetrators roam free to repeat the same. Grave injustice ??

My sincerest request: If you can’t make things better for strays, DO NOT make it worse. Just let them be.

Issue 5: Harassment of Women

It is something most of us are aware of, and sadly been a part of – either as an offender or a bystander. Men approach women under the pretext of coloring them or hugging them on the occasion of Holi with the same annoying, over-used phrase “???? ?? ???? ???? ??” How is it possible? Violating a woman & her safe space, curbing her excitement & jubilation, and intoxicating her with Bhaang as plain Thandai to exploit her, INDEED constitutes harassment & molestation. Hence, I believe it should be “Bura Maano Holi Hai” ??

It doesn’t end here. Reported cases of road rage, robbery & murder increase drastically around all festivals, including Holi??

So, what can we do?

Solutions for us: Simply, go back to basics

Traditionally, natural-colored powders that were made from Neem, Kumkum or Haldi, were used. For quite some time, these biodegradable options were made from vegetables too. We should avoid synthetic colors ??entirely and even skip so called non- herbal colors until you verify that the ingredients are actually non-toxic.

Since these won’t harm your skin and can be dusted off easily, the usage of water ??for cleaning up after is considerably reduced.

Solutions for the authorities: Stricter, clearer rules

Certainly, large-scale efforts for public awareness need to be made, just like we have seen around Diwali in the past few years. Having said that, the implementation needs to be achieved strictly with the combined force of society & the law.

Moreover, a regulatory body is needed to monitor the manufacturing, sale & usage of colors.

I pledge to stop converting this age-long celebration of the culmination of winters into an environmental hazard & instead enjoy it peacefully, organically, and consensually with friends, family & colleagues.

Drop your pledge in the comments section below with #buramaanoholihai.

Sources: Scientific Study on Impact of Holi on the Environment by Joy Gardner & Deepanjali Lal, The Holi Dermatoses published by National Library of Medicine