Holi, the Festival of Color

Holi, the festival of colors,

is here again.

People will celebrate, splash,

oblivious to the risks.

Let me give you a snapshot

of what it was,

and what it is now.

Once upon a time,

the colors came from plants,

flowers, leaves and roots:

palash, turmeric

roselle, beetroot

henna, indigo.

They were rich in antioxidants,

flavonoids, anthocyanins,

protective to skin.

And now?

Lead oxide, copper sulfate.

aluminum bromide, mercury sulfite.

rhodamine B, chromium iodide,

heavy metals too.

An anathema,

for people with skin sensitivity.

I am allergic, know the perils.

Have fun, but with awareness,

Holi need not make you sick.