Pollywood actor Kartar Cheema recollects fond times, as he bats for a safe Holi

Colours of devotion in Phoolon Ki Holi at Vrindavan; that of valour at Holla Mohalla in Punjab; a high-spirited revelry with Lathmar Holi at Barsana and Nandgaon…Holi carries different hues in different regions of the country. The festival of colours, which marks the official arrival of spring, is a day to celebrate colours and to celebrate life. We get in touch with actor Kartar Cheema, who is looking forward to the celebrations, Holi being one of his favourite festivals since his growing up days. He remembers fondly how he would take a tractor to his friends’ homes in Sunam, colour them, get them on board and take them for a round of the town. “We would be together for the entire day— eat together, fight, even watch films, it was like one big celebration.” He also remembers how mithai was huge back then, “My Bapu ji (grandfather) would take me to a halwai, get me two big jalebs or some rasgullas; I would have it right there on folded newspaper.”

Now strictly on diet, celebrations have become shahari with Holi parties and calorie-conscious eating. With his friends visiting from the US, he is hoping to recreate the childhood fun. He wishes The Tribune viewers a safe Holi. “Have a happy Holi, please play with safe organic colours, a simple tikka for children is good enough. Play and act responsibly.”

He also turns philosophical about how Holi is also symbolic of various shades of life and relationships. “Holi is a good excuse to appreciate different shades of life. I see my daughter Shiddat, how she enjoys colours of the flowers and their fragrance. We should all take out time to cherish bounties of life.” He also relates colours to different bonds. “Each relationship adds a different colour to your life. Your siblings bring joy, parents care, chacha and chachi, cousins… tend to these special bonds on this festival.”

Kartar also has a word of caution, “Holi has to be a festival of love. Let’s not play dirty Holi; please stay away from chemical colours or dirty water. Also, please don’t drink and drive. Stay safe and keep everyone around you protected!”

Dr Ajayita, Ayurveda expert, shares skincare tips

• Before you step out of your home, oil yourself from head to toe. Use Badam Rogan or any other almond oil. It acts as a barrier, saving your skin. Almond oil keeps penetrating deep and keeps hydrating the skin as well as hair. So, no matter how long you are out in the sun, you are protected.
• Drink two cups of coconut water before you head out. It gives full hydration to your internal organs and also works as a cleanser. So even if you binge-eat or drink, you wouldn’t land up with an infection.
• Right before stepping out, sit down calmly and do breathing exercises for 10-12 minutes. It makes lungs expand and you wouldn’t end up coughing or sneezing!
• Carry your own organic colours and offer them when playing with friends. You can take dry beetroot powder for red colour, hibiscus powder for pink; for green go for neem powder or henna, while for yellow, the best option is turmeric powder. All these are available in the market. They provide nourishment to your skin. They work way better than any colours available in the market that have mica, which is very harmful for the skin.
• Also put two-three almond drops in your nostril and ears. It will act as insulation and make you less prone to allergies.
• And carry ICalm oil from my brand, Ayamveda, in your pocket! It’s an instant decongestant. Inhale it and it will clear the nasal passage.

Yianni Tsaptori, celebrity hairstylist, talks about haircare

Embrace the vibrant spirit of Holi, but it’s important to be mindful of the toll these activities can take on your hair’s health. After the celebrations, you may notice your hair feeling drier than usual. The colours used during Holi can sometimes contain chemicals that may strip your hair of its natural moisture. But don’t worry! With the right pre-and-post-care routine, you can maintain your hair’s health and shine. By incorporating nourishing treatments and using gentle hair care products, you can restore hydration and keep your locks looking radiant long after the festivities.

Shield your strands

• Apply a leave-in oil: Before stepping out, generously apply a leave-in oil to create a protective layer between your hair and the colours. The Keracare Macadamia Oil works wonders by making your hair feel soft and smooth.
• Style your hair smartly: Opt for a bun or a tight braid to minimise tangling and reduce exposure to colours.
• Cover up: A scarf, bandana or hat can act as a protective shield against harsh pigments, reducing direct contact with your hair.

Restore after the festivities

• Rinse with cold water immediately: After the celebrations, rinse your hair as soon as possible using cold water, which helps remove excess colour without draining essential moisture. Use a mild shampoo to prevent further dryness.
• Ditch the heat tools: Avoid blow dryers, straighteners or curling irons right after Holi, as your hair needs time to recover.
• Hydrate with the right shampoo: Choose a shampoo enriched with moisturising ingredients, like the Probio Honey Moisture shampoo, to deeply cleanse and rehydrate your hair. Use it at least three times a week for best results.
• Lock in moisture with a mask: After shampooing, pamper your hair with a nourishing hair mask. A honey-infused mask is an excellent choice as honey has antimicrobial properties that gently cleanse while keeping your scalp and strands hydrated.