Celebrate Holi with natural colours: Safe and eco-friendly alternatives at home
The festival of Holi is popularly known as the festival of colours. It is impossible to imagine this vibrant celebration without splashes of bright hues filling the air. As Holi approaches, markets are flooded with a wide variety of colours, attracting children and adults alike.
However, while choosing colours, it is important to remain cautious about the use of chemical-based powders and liquids.
Many synthetic colours available in the market contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin allergies, rashes, eye irritation, and even respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure may also damage hair and lead to other health complications. To avoid such risks, experts suggest opting for natural colours that can be easily prepared at home using flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
Here are some simple ways to make natural Holi colours:
Pink colour
Pink can be prepared using rose petals. Separate the petals and dry them thoroughly under sunlight. Once dried, grind them into a fine powder and store in an airtight container. Depending on the type of rose used, you can achieve different shades of pink.
Beetroot is another excellent option. For wet colour, chop beetroot into small pieces and boil them in water to extract a deep pink liquid. For dry colour, slice the beetroot thinly, sun-dry the pieces completely, and grind them into powder.
Yellow colour
Yellow can be made using turmeric sticks. Grind dried turmeric into a fine powder and mix it with rice flour to dilute the intensity. This natural yellow powder can be used directly or mixed with water to prepare a liquid colour. Turmeric not only provides a bright hue but also has antibacterial properties that are beneficial for the skin.
Green colour
Green colour can be prepared from henna (mehendi) leaves. Dry the leaves in shade and grind them into powder for a natural green gulal. For a liquid version, boil the leaves in water. Spinach leaves can also be blended and strained to create a green water-based colour.
Orange colour
Dry marigold flowers in sunlight and grind them into powder to obtain a vibrant orange shade. Similarly, the flowers of the palash tree (flame of the forest) can be dried and powdered to produce a rich saffron-orange colour traditionally associated with Holi celebrations.
Purple colour
Purple can be made from butterfly pea flowers. Collect the flowers, dry them at a low temperature, and grind into a fine powder. The petals can also be soaked in water to create a natural violet liquid colour.
Benefits of natural colours
Using homemade, natural colours offers several advantages. They are gentle on the skin and hair, safe for children, and free from harmful chemicals. Additionally, they are eco-friendly and biodegradable, reducing environmental pollution after the festivities.
This Holi, choosing natural colours not only ensures a safe celebration but also promotes sustainability and well-being — allowing everyone to enjoy the festival with joy and peace of mind.
Also Read: US Iran War Updates: Iran attack on US embassy in Kuwait
