Acid attack survivors celebrate Holi in Mumbai

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], Mar. 12 (ANI): Mumbai on Sunday saw the survivors of acid attacks celebrate the festival of Holi with much enthusiasm. All the girls, who have suffered substantially both at the physical and mental level ,were seen embracing life all over again. "We are really enjoying ourselves and after going through so much in life, we have just started enjoying our lives like the same way we used to do before. So, this is big change for all of us. We are really enjoying it," said an acid attack survivor, Aarti. The festival of Holi brings together people from all classes and age groups, who play with colours, dance, sing and distribute sweets. Another acid attack survivor, Shabbo, urged people to observe a safe Holi. "Play Holi safely and do not injure anyone. In the name of Holi, just don't throw anything on people as it has been seen mostly that people lob anything, which later develop into serious skin problems. So, please play Holi safely, enjoy and let others also enjoy," said Shabbo. Holi involves smearing of coloured powder on people's faces, but studies have found that the industrial powders used are often toxic and can cause asthma, temporary blindness and even skin cancer. Though it is celebrated for a single day elsewhere in India, it is almost a ten-day affair in some parts of Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)