Say "No" to bad touch!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Hello, young friends! 

 

 

The month of Phagun is upon us and the best part about it is Holi—the vibrant festival of colours! Holi celebrations begin on the full-moon night of Phagun with Hollika Dahan and continue till the next day with people applying myriad hues of colours on each other.

 

 

 

 

According to mythology, the demon Hiranyakashipu took his sister's (Hollika's) help to kill his son, Prahlad, because Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hollika tried to kill Prahlad by sitting on a lit pyre with him, wearing a cloak that protected her from the fire. But the cloak protected Prahlad instead and Hollika burnt! That very night Vishnu killed Hiranyakashipu. Hence Holi is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil.

 

 

 

 

In contemporary times, the best thing about Holi is the fact that it blurs the distinctions of class, caste, and religion and brings people closer—everyone comes forward to partake in the Holi festivities, be it with just a tikka on the forehead or simply by sharing sweets with each other. 

 

 

 

 

So, with Holi around the corner, you all must be gearing up to smear colour on each other, gorge on gujiyas, glug some thandai, and do all sorts of fun things! I totally understand your excitement. And I really hope you have a good time! 

 

 

 

 

But do remember that you do not have to do anything you're not comfortable with—be it playing Holi with friends or letting an adult apply colour on you—just because it's Holi. Some of you may have skin allergy and that's a valid reason to stay away from colours. Some of you might find it uncomfortable when a cousin/relative or a neighbour/acquaintance or a friend forcibly tries to apply colour on you and, in the process, touch you in a way that's not appropriate.

 

 

 

 

For example, if someone, apart from your doctor (it's okay if he/she is examining you in the presence of your parents or caregiver) or your parents, tries to touch you, it's important to say politely but firmly, "No, you can't touch me," and immediately leave that place. 

 

 

 

 

Later, do talk to your parents or school counsellor/teacher about it. You don't have to be embarrassed or feel guilty. It is not your fault at all. Your parents/teachers will help you out and, in most cases, take action against the person who had touched you inappropriately. 

 

 

 

 

 

Please remember that the body parts which remain covered when you wear a swimsuit are neither to be shown to anyone, nor allowed to be touched by anyone. You should not see those body parts of others too. It's also okay to report to your parents/teachers any touch that makes you uncomfortable, scared, or confused, no matter which body part it involves. Sometimes, even a hug or a peck on the cheek might make you uncomfortable and it's okay to say "No". You do not have to please anyone for a festival or just because you know the person well or he/she gets you chocolates and expensive gifts. Trust your gut feeling and say "No" when you feel uncomfortable by a touch.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Be safe and have a Happy Holi!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Since International Women's Day is coming up too (March 8), don't miss a chance to be thankful to the women who make your life so much easier—your mother, teacher, sister, grandmother, friend... and the list is endless!