Some love it, some hate it, but nobody can escape it. Well, we are indeed talking about the festival of colours ‘Holi’ which is knocking on your doors and yes, it’s too late to escape the revelry now, isn’t it?
What began as a festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil, the onset of spring and an opportunity to meet loved ones who have drifted apart, has now taken shape of mad merrymaking and there’s no way any one of us can avoid it lest you are planning to sit indoors like a spoilsport. And, to make sure that you survive the Holi craziness, we bring to you’re the prefect Holi survival guide, which will make sure you get up sane this Friday.
Chances are, you are fed up your mother telling you what to do and what not to do every Holi since you always end up scrubbing that colour off your body because mom’s gharelu nuskha fails every time and those umpteen number of cups of caffeine do you no good to get over that bad bhang hangover. Well, if that’s precisely your story, then my dearies, you are doing it all wrong, each Holi. So, here’s your fix, an antidote to those shoddy colours and innumerable glasses of thandai!
Choose a holy skin over a Holi skin
So, how many people have suggested you to you those exotic body butters before Holi so that those harsh colours don’t penetrate into your skin? Well, expensive creams don’t guarantee protection to the skin because eventually it’s the colour that people put of your face which takes the final toll on the skin. And, that’s why according to Dr Rinky Kapoor, Dermatologist, SL Raheja Fortis Hospital, Mumbai feels the most important step of controlling damage to your skin is telling your loved ones to invest in good natural colours and not the strong chemical based colours. As per Dr Kapoor, another very common mistake that people, especially women commit is heading to a salon right before the festival. The doctor lists things to be kept in mind before the indulging in the Holi revelry:
– Don’t undergo any skin related treatment or procedure before Holi. – Mix sunscreen with a good moisturiser and apply the same on the skin before you start battling out the hues. – Oil your hair with coconut oil and tie a pony, this way at least you’ll be able to protect your hair from any further damage.
Dos on Holi
Eminent dermatologist, Dr. Nivedita Dadu of Skinology Skin and Hair Clinic feels it’s better to follow a to-do regime on the festive day than crib about the damage caused to the skin and hair later. As per Dr Dadu, the potential effects of harsh Holi colours can be minimised by following the listed regime:
– Proper hydration: Since dehydration may cause your skin to dry, aiding the the colour to seep into your skin, it’s best to drink litres of water on the day. – Besides apply oil on your hair, dab some on your ear lobes and nails as these are the spots where colours get accumulated the most. – Once into the action of playing with colours, refrain from getting exposed to the sun since chemical based colours become stronger with the heat and may take longer in getting washed off. – Avoid skimpy clothes, instead wear clothes that cover most of your body.
Go organic, says Ayurveda
Since doctors across the country have always encouraged the use of organic colours, we got in touch with Ayurvedacharya Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda to know the best ways of making organic colours at home following the principle of Ayurveda – the science which treats ailments with its plant based treatments.
– Delonix regia (Gulmohar) and Marigold, along with vegetables like beetroot can be easily used to create the hues of red. While drying them and making a powder is one option, one can also puree these natural fruits and flowers.
– The best yellows can be made using gram flour, turmeric, fuller’s earth and sandal wood powder. – Take some black grapes and amla and cut them in fine pieces. Put the pieces in boiling water and let the water cool down to get a nice black colour for Holi. – Mix henna powder with water for a green hue. One can also prepare a green powder by putting spinach, mint and neem leaves in hot water and let it stay for some time.
Post Holi care is mandatory
As per Dr Dadu, post Holi care is as important as pre one. Here’s a list of things that can be done to rejuvenate the skin post the festival.
– Apply a granular scrub on the body and face to get rid of the colours. – Bathe with a mixture of sea salt and glycerine, the best combo to rid the colours. – Afterwards, opt for a cleanser. Finish with a moisturizer meant for sensitive skin. – Condition your hair and opt for a hair mask 2-3 days after Holi to replenish the hair of the lost moisture.
Holi hangover myths busted!
And you thought those ten cups of coffee would be enough to get out of the trance those umpteen number of bhang laced thandai glasses caused in your head? Well, according to Dr Rajesh Gokani – General Physician in Mumbai based SL Raheja Fortis Hospital, having caffeine post a drinking session can worsen the hangover. “It’s best to avoid coffee altogether post a drinking session. In fact, one should opt for a milkshake or green tea when feeling miserable post Holi,” says Dr Gokani. As per the doctor, the best way to avoid a regrettable situation on a fun festival like Holi is by strictly not mixing drinks, especially bhang with alcohol as it can be fatal. Also, Gokani refutes the idea of having deep fried food to get over a bad hangover. “Deep fried food has to be completely avoided when trying to get back to normal,” explains Dr Gokani. The doctor concludes by saying that it’s best to drink juices throughout the post festival day, avoid any painkillers of drugs and have a boiled potato, which can be a wonder food for people suffering from a hangover as its rich in potassium and can instantly make one feel better.
Well, with so many specialists keeping an eye on your wellness this Holi, we’re pretty sure you’ll have a rather holy festival. Happy Holi, guys!