Doctor Warns Contaminated Water Can Spread Infection During Holi


Holi celebrations use various water-based materials as people celebrate the festival with water balloons, buckets, and pichkaris. Health experts warn that contaminated water sources can lead to the transmission of water-borne diseases, which include diarrhoea, typhoid, and hepatitis A. 

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The World Health Organization states that unsafe water remains a major source of gastrointestinal infections globally. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India reports that mass gatherings, with warm weather conditions, result in increased disease outbreaks.

Doctor Explains How Infections Spread


Dr. Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant and HOD of Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, explains that Holi conditions can enable infections to spread quickly. “Using water to have fun is a great idea, but exposing oneself to infection by using unclean water may be harmful,” she says. She notes that communal sources may contain Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio bacteria, along with parasites and viruses.

According to her, droplets entering the nose or mouth can trigger “gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever symptoms within a very short time after exposure.” Children remain especially vulnerable due to accidental ingestion and lower immunity.

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Chemical Contamination and Hygiene Concerns


Synthetic colours may contain heavy metals or industrial dyes. When mixed with unsafe water, these substances can cause skin irritation, eye infections, or stomach upset. 

Dr. Rajamanya warns that contaminated water combined with chemical residues “may enter the body, thus increasing the health risk.” Reusable balloons and water guns can also harbour bacteria if not cleaned properly between uses.

Safety Tips and Why Vigilance Matters


Dr Rajamanya advises people to use treated water, while they should not drink water, and they must change their wet clothing, and they need to wash their hands with soap before they eat. The past festival-linked outbreaks of typhoid and hepatitis A demonstrate how hygiene violations lead to serious health problems. 

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With Holi drawing large crowds each year, simple precautions can prevent serious illness. Safe celebrations ensure the festival remains joyful rather than disruptive to family health.