The main significance of Holi is fun and enjoyment. Then why am I feeling like a Holi Scrooge? After many showers and countless applications of face creams, petroleum jelly and heavy scrubbing I am still bearing the colorful reminders of Holi play. Before I can face the world I will dress in clothes that cover, a scarf around the neck and a heavy application of make up.In frustration I did a comprehensive Internet search and I found some excellent tips that I would like to share.

Things to remember:

1. Use cold water to remove the colors, hot water makes the color fast and it is difficult to get rid of them.
   
2. Do not wash your face again and again. This will make your face dry.
   
3. Do not rub your skin with any rough and hard thing. This will make your skin itchy. Apply coconut oil with the help of cotton and then try to remove the colors.
   
4. To lighten the color, rub lemon wedges and then apply wheat flour and oil mixture.
   
5. Apply moisturizer to the entire body immediately after a bath.
   
6. If you are planning a bleach or facial then wait for at least a week.
   
7. Applying soaked amchur powder also helps get rid of color.
   
8. To remove stains use a mixture of coconut oil and lime. Apply and leave it for a while then wash with the liquid soap.
   

Gulal is made from toxic chemicals that can have severe health effects. When washed, they enter our water and soil causing pollution. Most are dyes meant for industrial uses like dyeing textiles and are not meant to be applied on humans. Gulal colors have in them heavy metals, acids and powdered glass. Even the bases in which these chemical are mixed are highly toxic.

Many dry powders use a base of asbestos talc, chalk powder or silica. Holi colors were traditionally made from ayurvedic ingredients such as neem, kumkum, haldi, bilva and other medicinal herbs believed to help with colds and flu. Environmentalists are pushing for a return to healthy gulal made from flowers and natural products. Bura na mano Holi hai. Don't complain it's Holi!