Holi as an event or the colours and celebrations it entails might be associated with past trauma for certain individuals, triggering them on being forced to participate. It can also be over stimulating for people with social anxiety and autism to be exposed to the crowd and the loud noise of explosive cap guns.
People with Chromophobia prefer to stay indoors fearing the possibility of coming into contact with their phobic colours. For people living with these difficulties, it is important for the community to be kind and careful.
An equally important point to remember is that 'Bura na maano, holi hai' is not an excuse to establish non-consensual physical contact with those who are uncomfortable. Take consent before applying colours.
Refrain from spraying harmful colours at stray animals or shooting guns too close to them, the loud noise can be traumatic for the strays who do not possess the ability to articulate their discomfort and pain.
There can be risky behaviour linked to consumption of bhaang as a traditional practice on the day, leading to impulsive, aggressive behaviour, which can be disturbing for a lot of other individuals, keep a check on the consumption and the behaviour without crossing a boundary.
There are individuals among us who might be going through personal losses, or those without a strong social circle. Ensure including people who do not have a strong social circle to play with, or those who are isolated.
To play with colours does not necessarily mean involving crowd and loud noises. It can even be played indoors with family, in a quiet environment, with powdered colours and good food.
Being compared to the colourful pictures on social media celebrating the festival with grandeur can be triggering and isolating to a lot of individuals who may not get to enjoy it the same way. It is important to understand that most of what can be seen on social media are portrayals rather than reality.
Holi's vibrant colors are a visual treat but let them not affect your vision. Gulal colours weren't always synthetic. These toxic chemicals not only can affect us with harmful damages to our skin, eyes, body but also the environment around us.
Ms Pragya Priya Mandal, Counselling Psychologist, Monoshij