Making the transition to natural hues is crucial for a safe, environmentally responsible, and joyful Holi. Adopting organic, plant-based colours ensures that our festivities are sustainable and pleasant while also protecting the environment and human health.
Health risks: Heavy metals, acids, and industrial dyes found in many synthetic colours can lead to severe skin reactions, eye irritation, and respiratory infections. Health issues of a more serious nature could potentially result from prolonged exposure.
Environmental pollution: Following Holi festivities, chemical colouring residues end up in rivers and other water bodies, polluting them. These substances are harmful to aquatic life and are not biodegradable.
Damage to animals: Pets and stray animals frequently come into contact with Holi colours, which can result in poisoning, allergic reactions, and other health issues.
Effect on soil and plants: Synthetic colours damage plant life by leaking into the soil after being rinsed away.
Natural colours, on the other hand, are harmless, non-toxic, and biodegradable because they are made from organic sources. They help maintain the environment’s purity and the traditional spirit of Holi while posing no health hazards.
How To Make Homemade Natural Holi Colours
Natural Holi colours are easy to make, reasonably priced, and eco-friendly. Here are a few simple methods for creating eco-friendly colours at home using natural materials.
Gulal (Dry Colours)
Red: Red sandalwood powder or dried hibiscus blossoms can be ground into a fine powder. Another way to get a red hue is to crush dried rose petals.
Yellow: When turmeric (haldi) is combined with sandalwood powder or gram flour (besan), a vivid yellow hue is produced. Marigold petals can also be ground and dried for a stunning golden-yellow hue.
Green: To achieve a revitalising green colour, add dried neem leaves, crushed spinach leaves, or mehendi (henna) powder.
Blue: Blue powder can be made by crushing dried jacaranda or blue hibiscus blossoms. You can also use butterfly pea flowers, blueberries, or indigo leaves.
Pink/Magenta: Vibrant pink hues can be obtained with powdered beetroot, dried rose petals, or pomegranate peel.
Orange: To achieve this colour, use dried saffron flowers or a mixture of lime and turmeric.
Wet Colours
Red: To get a deep red hue, dilute beetroot or pomegranate juice with water.
Yellow: Turmeric and water combined produce a vivid yellow liquid.
Green: A natural green liquid can be made by combining water with crushed spinach or boiled neem leaves.
Blue: A lovely blue liquid hue is produced by boiling hibiscus petals or butterfly pea blossoms in water.
Pink: A beautiful hue of pink is produced by soaking rose petals in water for a whole night.
Orange: A deep orange colour is produced when saffron threads are steeped in water.
Advantages Of Using Natural Colours To Play Holi
Making the switch to natural Holi hues has several advantages:
Safe for skin and health: Natural colours are kinder to the skin and do not trigger allergic reactions, rashes, or irritation like synthetic colours, because they don’t contain dangerous chemicals. Children, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin can safely use them.
Eco-friendly: Natural hues break down quickly and don't contaminate the air, soil, or water. They support sustainability while minimising harm to the environment.
Non-toxic for children and pets: Because natural colours are derived from plant materials, there is no risk of accidental exposure or ingestion in children or pets.
Encourages sustainability: By utilising organic hues, we encourage environmentally-friendly methods that lessen reliance on dangerous commercial dyes. Using flowers and herbal materials also increases the demand for environmentally friendly products, which helps small-scale producers and local farmers.
Promotes traditional practices: By using natural colours, we can reconnect with our cultural roots and bring back long-standing customs. Additionally, it inspires the next generation to celebrate in environmentally responsible ways.
Image source: Zee News, Forest Essentials, Sankalpatru, Clinikally