President, vice president greet nation on Holi 2011

President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari have greeted the nation on the festival of colours - Holi - that will be celebrated over the weekend. 'On the joyous occasion of Holi, I have great pleasure to extend my greetings and good wishes,' the president said in her message Friday. 'May this unique festival of colours bring joy and happiness and foster the spirit of unity and harmony amongst our citizens,' she added. Holi, the festival of colours, is mostly a north Indian festival and is a two-day affair. It will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday. The vice president, in his message, said : 'My hearty greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Holi, the festival of colours.' 'Holi is celebrated with joyous gaiety and this festival brings forth the tradition of reinforcing unity amidst diversity. It also marks the onset of spring. May this festival fill our lives with happiness and promote national integration,' he added.  
Tips to have safe and environment friendly Holi: 

1. Avoid using synthetic and chemical colours, use natural colours.
2. Donot use plastic balloons as they create environment pollution.
3. Wear clothes that cover maximum parts of your body.
4. Use warm water and moisturising soap to remove the colours.
5. Put water proof sun screen lotion on all the open parts of the body.
6. Try to cover your hairs by using Hats or caps.
7. Use hair gel or oil to give a protective layer on your hairs.
8. Make sure that colour doesn’t enter into your eyes, if it enters then wash it immediately.