Contributed by: Healthians Team
This year’s festival of colors, Holi, comes with widespread concerns about the fresh Covid-19 surge. Amid a rise in daily coronavirus cases, the question on everyone’s mind is if it is safe to play Holi this year.
In this context, it is reasonable to be safe than sorry. Since Holi is a social festival, it can become a ‘super spreader’ if people flout the Covid-19 rules. One infected person can lead to a spiraling increase in new infections. It’s just not worth the risk, and skipping Holi this year would not be a bad idea.
Nonetheless, if you still wish to play Holi, you must exercise caution as you gear up to smear color on your loved ones, safety must not be forgotten. and maintain necessary precautions.
Here’s what you should do:
- Avoid large community gatherings for Holi. Limit your interaction to a closed family group.
- If any family member has even mild symptoms of fever or cold or cough, they should avoid attending the get-together.
- Avoid watercolors. Play with dry organic colors.
- Wear your mask at all times, even while playing.
- The coronavirus is transmitted primarily by physical contact. And Holi involves a lot of it. We must not become complacent and let our guard down, or the number of cases would skyrocket. Greet all with the traditional Indian greeting of ‘Namaste’ and ditch the hugging (even world leaders have adopted it).
- Consume antioxidant-rich foods or those that have antimicrobial properties that help boost immunity. According to experts, amla, papaya, guava, capsicum, oranges, lemon are packed with immunity-boosting properties and as well as keeps several diseases at bay.
- Follow mindful hygiene. Carry a sanitizer and cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing.
- Do not share your drinks with anyone and do not drink from each other’s glasses.
- After the festivities, take bath with anti-bacterial soaps.
- Although Holi is a fun-filled festival, celebrate in moderation. Do not indulge in wild celebrations and boisterous partying. Any laxity to adhere to Covid-19 safety protocols could lead to a spiraling increase in new infections.
How to celebrate Holi in 2021
Not being able to play Holi outdoors due to Covid doesn’t mean that it can discolor the Indian festival of colors. Celebrate this beautiful, colorful festival with your family and friends, without compromising on your safety and health. There are a lot of ways you can celebrate Holi while remaining safe within your home.
- Host a Holi-at-home party (preferably with family only) and groove to some classic Bollywood Holi songs.
- Prepare Holi-special dishes like gujia (fritters) and thandai (milk-based Indian beverage) to invoke the festive spirit and satiate your taste buds.
- Play a virtual Holi (can take meetings with Zoom, why not use it for Holi fun?)
- Play virtual contests with your friends and loved ones. There are lots of online contests on Holi-based themes on the internet.
- Host a virtual antakshari, and let the theme of music beset by Holi songs.
On that note, we wish you a happy and safe Holi! Having said that, with the vaccination drive in full swing, do not forget to get your elderly (65 years or older) tested for the Covid-19 and have them vaccinated ASAP, to help them combat these difficult times.
