This Holi, Let’s Protect the Voiceless
Holi is bright.
Holi is colourful.
Holi is full of laughter, sweets, music, and togetherness.
For us, the Holi celebration is a day of pure joy. We wait for it. We plan for it. We buy colours, prepare gujiya, call friends, and get ready to click happy pictures.
But while we celebrate, there are many silent lives around us who feel scared instead of happy.
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- Stray dogs hiding under cars
- Little cats shaking behind the walls
- Cows confused by loud noises
- Birds flying away because of fear
They do not understand festivals. They only understand safety and danger. And sadly, for many of them, the Holi celebration feels like danger.
This year, let us celebrate with more kindness and more compassion.
Why Holi Can Be Difficult for Stray Animals
Street animals like dogs, cats, and birds do not understand festivals. For them, Holi feels like a danger instead of fun. They don’t understand why people are throwing colours, playing loud music, or running here and there.
They could face:
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- Harmful chemicals on their body can cause irritation in their eyes or skin
- Very loud music and sound makes them fearful
- Water filled balloons can also cause them injury
- Trouble finding clean water and food
- People running behind them to apply colour
Such things can cause fear, skin infections, injuries, and even long term health problems. This is why our holi celebration should be gentle and kind especially towards animals.
Choose Natural Colours
Many holi colours have hazardous chemicals that are harmful to animals. If they come in contact with them it can make their skin itchy for days, and can infect their eyes.
Instead:
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- Use herbal and natural colours made from flowers
- Don’t throw colours near animals
- Even as a joke, never throw colours on animals
Animals clean their body by licking their fur and if there’s colour on their fur, it can enter their body and make them sick.
Keep Water Bowls Around Your Area
During Holi, animals struggle for clean food and water. All of the places are usually crowded or messy.
You can help by:
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- Keeping fresh water bowls outside your home
- Giving them space in your parking, around safe and quiet corners,
- Refill the bowl when it becomes empty
Such a small act can help animals feel safe and not feel thirsty during Holi celebration.
Do Not Burst Balloons Near Animals
Water balloons may seem fun, but they can seriously hurt animals. A balloon thrown at them can cause injury or make them extremely scared.
Instead:
Play responsibly with friends
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- Avoid throwing balloons in streets where animals rest
- Teach children to respect animals during festivals
- A gentle holi celebration is always better than a harmful one
Feed Them Before You Celebrate
Animals might feel less anxious when they are fed. If it’s possible, try to feed strays when you go out to celebrate.
You can give:
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- Plain roti or rice
- Simple dog or cat food
- Clean and fresh water
When they are hungry they keep looking for food in crowded places. If you feed them, they will feel full and can rest in one safe place till the time the festival is over.
Create Safe Spaces for Them
Stray animals try to hide to stay safe from loud noise and colours. You can help them feel protected.
Try to:
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- Keep the gates of your house open to let them rest inside
- Don’t let others disturb the animals
- Request neighbours to avoid throwing colours on them
A little care and generosity can make them feel safe and secure.
The True Meaning of the Festival
Holi is not just about colours.
It is about love.
It is about forgiveness.
It is about spreading happiness.
Don’t let our Holi celebration spread fear instead of happiness for all. If it’s doing so, then pause and think about the actions. Festivals should be happening even for the ones who cannot speak for themselves.
This year, let the colors bring joy to hearts and minds, and not cause harm on streets.
Also read: The Importance of Understanding Animal Abuse Laws
FAQs
- Are natural or herbal colours safe for stray animals?
Even herbal colours can irritate their skin and eyes. It is always better not to apply any colour on animals. They may still cause allergies or discomfort, so avoiding colours completely is the safest option.
- Why do animals hide during Holi?
They feel scared because of loud sounds, shouting, and sudden splashes of water. Hiding makes them feel safe. It is their way of protecting themselves from things they do not understand.
- Can loud music really affect animals?
Yes. Animals have sensitive hearing. Loud noise can cause stress and anxiety.
Continuous loud sound can even disturb their normal behaviour for many hours.
- What food can I safely give to stray dogs during Holi?
You can offer roti, rice, or dog food (if you have it or can arrange it). Don’t give them spicy or oily food as it is unhealthy for them.
- What should I do if I see someone hurting an animal during Holi?
Stay calm and politely tell them it can hurt the animal. If needed, call an animal help group. Speaking kindly and respectfully can stop the animal from getting harmed further.