Celebrate with Colour, Joy, and Respect

Holi—the festival of colours, joy, and slightly questionable dance moves—is finally here! Originally celebrated in India, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a day where colours replace stress, music drowns out deadlines, and friendships (new and old) are strengthened with every splash of vibrant powder.

But before you dive headfirst into a cloud of pink, green, and yellow, there are a few things to keep in mind. Holi is meant to be fun, but it should also be safe and enjoyable for everyone. Follow these simple dos and don’ts to make sure the only thing you take home is great memories (and maybe a few stubborn colour stains).

Dos:

✅ Go for skin-friendly, organic colours

Chemical-based colours can cause skin allergies and irritation, plus they’re terrible for the environment. Choose natural, organic powders instead—they’re safer, eco-friendly, and come in just as many vibrant shades!

✅ Ask before applying colour

Not everyone wants to look like a walking rainbow, and that’s okay! Holi is about spreading joy, not forcing people into unwanted colour fights. A simple “Can I?” before smearing someone with pink powder keeps things fun for everyone.

✅ Oil your hair and skin

Holi colours can be stubborn, and no one wants to spend hours scrubbing their skin raw. Applying coconut oil or moisturizer to your skin and hair before playing will make it much easier to wash off the colours later. Bonus tip: If you have long hair, tying it up helps minimize colour damage!

✅ Wear sunglasses

This is not just for style—though you’ll definitely look cool. Holi powders can be irritating if they get into your eyes, and sunglasses offer an easy layer of protection. Plus, they make for great Instagram photos.

✅ Dress for the mess

Holi is not the day for your favourite designer outfit. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained—white works best if you want the colours to pop in pictures! If you’re playing in chilly weather, layering up with old clothes can help keep you warm while still letting you enjoy the festival.

✅ Stay hydrated and snack up

Running around, dodging colour bombs, and dancing takes energy! Keep a bottle of water handy, and don’t miss out on Holi-special snacks like Gujiya (sweet dumplings) and Thandai (a spiced, creamy drink). It’s part of the celebration!

✅ Respect shared spaces

If you’re celebrating in student accommodation or common areas, be mindful of others. Stick to designated Holi areas, avoid throwing colours in hallways, and help clean up afterward. No one likes waking up to a mysteriously purple-stained wall.

Don’ts:

❌ Ditch the harsh chemical colours

Some synthetic Holi colours contain harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin, stain permanently, and even cause allergic reactions. If a packet doesn’t say “organic” or “natural,” think twice before using it.

❌ No aggressive colour smearing

Throwing colours is fun, but forcefully rubbing powder on someone’s face—especially near their eyes or mouth—is not. Play gently and avoid overwhelming people with colour attacks. If in doubt, just stick to a friendly sprinkle!

❌ Don’t waste water

Water balloons and colour-filled buckets may seem fun, but excessive water usage is bad for the environment. Many Holi celebrations now focus on dry colours to keep things eco-friendly. Plus, no one enjoys being drenched when it’s still cold outside!

❌ No forced participation

Not everyone wants to play Holi, and that’s perfectly fine. If someone prefers to watch from the sidelines, respect their choice. Holi is about happiness, not peer pressure.

❌ Don’t turn the festival into a mess

Colour fights should stay in the celebration zones. Avoid throwing colours in indoor spaces, near cars, or anywhere it might cause permanent stains. Also, dispose of empty colour packets responsibly—nobody wants to see littered streets the next morning.

Holi is all about fun, friendship, and festive spirit. By keeping these simple points in mind, you can enjoy the celebrations while making sure that everyone around you has a great time too. So grab your colours, get your friends together, and get ready for the most vibrant, joyful, and laughter-filled day of the year!