Holi marks the arrival of spring in India and is celebrated with great merriment and joy. Indian cities and countryside are filled with the blooming Flame of the forest or dhak flowers. Happiness and love set the tone of the festival. Yet this festival can pose a danger to stray animals if they come into contact with the colors or are hit by water balloons or pelted with other objects.
Last year, during Holi, social media was full of stories about a pet dog Roxie, who was tied in the courtyard of a house in Dehradun. The poor animal suffered in pain as a group of men threw gulaal (dry colour for playing Holi). After a social media post went viral and netizens and celebrities shared the story, Mughdha Khatri from Healing Saathi, along with her other animal activists rescued Roxie. Roxie was finally off to a loving home.
“While it is a festival of happiness for us, it is important that we keep in mind the voiceless animals. The colors used in Holi can be harmful to animals if ingested or inhaled. They can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues. Moreover, the loud noises can be very disturbing for animals,” – Mughdha Khatri, Founder, Healing Saathi
It is important to be mindful of the presence of stray animals during Holi celebrations and take steps to ensure their safety. Some ways to do this include:
- Avoid throwing colors or water at animals or using water balloons or other objects that could harm them.
- Keep your pets indoors during Holi celebrations to prevent them from getting frightened or injured.
- If you encounter a stray animal during Holi, try to calm it down and keep it away from the festivities.
- If you see an injured animal, contact a local animal welfare organization or veterinary hospital for help.
By taking these steps, we can ensure that the joy of Holi is not at the expense of the safety and well-being of our furry friends.
