With large parts of Maharashtra facing a terrible drought this year, schools across Mumbai are teaching students to use organic colours and not to play with water when they celebrate Holi this year. Children are also being told about recycling water, saving plants and the harmful effects of chemical colours.

Speaking to SUNDAY MiD DAY, Fr. Abraham Joseph, principal of St. Mary’s multi-purpose high school in Vashi said, “We are telling children to be more cautious while enjoying the festival. Self-discipline is very essential. Everyone should enjoy the festival but we must all make sure we do not harm anyone else. The other critical message we are passing on is that water should not be wasted. We are teaching our children to use all the water they would have thrown on each other, to water the plants instead, which would in turn benefit the environment.