Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most cherished and vibrant festivals in India, symbolising the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the joy of togetherness. It is a time when people set aside their differences, come together to celebrate, and immerse themselves in a riot of colours. Streets are filled with laughter, the aroma of festive sweets, and splashes of gulal in every hue imaginable. However, amidst the festivities, the increasing awareness of the harmful effects of synthetic colours has led to a significant shift towards natural holi colours and organic holi colours.
Traditionally, Holi was celebrated with natural colours made from flowers, herbs, and other plant-based ingredients. These vibrant colours were not only safe but also had therapeutic and medicinal properties. For instance, turmeric and sandalwood, commonly used in natural colours, are known for their skin-soothing benefits. Over time, however, these traditional practices were replaced by synthetic colours due to their availability and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, these chemical-laden colours can cause skin allergies, eye irritation, and even respiratory problems, dampening the festive spirit for many.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of returning to the roots by opting for homemade natural holi colours. The shift is not just about protecting ourselves from harmful chemicals but also about making environmentally conscious choices. Synthetic colours often contain heavy metals, dyes, and other pollutants that harm not just human health but also soil and water resources. On the other hand, organic colours, made from natural ingredients, are biodegradable and leave no toxic residue, ensuring that the celebration is as eco-friendly as it is joyous.
Moreover, preparing colours at home is a delightful and creative activity that can involve the whole family. From drying flower petals to grinding neem leaves and boiling beetroots, the process itself becomes a part of the celebration, evoking nostalgia and strengthening family bonds. It also allows you to add a personal touch to the festival, making it even more special and meaningful.
By choosing to use natural holi colours, you not only ensure a safer and healthier celebration for yourself and your loved ones but also contribute to preserving the environment. This small step can inspire others in your community to adopt sustainable practices, spreading awareness about the importance of eco-friendly choices during festivals.
Holi is a time to celebrate life, joy, and the beauty of nature. By embracing organic holi colours, you honour the essence of the festival and take a significant step towards a healthier, more sustainable future. This year, make Holi a celebration of not just colours but also conscious living, and let the hues of nature brighten your festivities in the most authentic way possible.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make natural colours at home for the joyous festivities of Holi. Let’s dive in!
Synthetic colours often contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin allergies, eye irritation, and even long-term health issues. On the other hand, natural holi colours and organic holi colours are made from plant-based ingredients, herbs, flowers, and kitchen staples. These are biodegradable, non-toxic, and gentle on the skin, making them a perfect choice for festive celebrations.
Before you start, gather the following common ingredients:
Turmeric powder
Flower petals (such as marigold, rose, or hibiscus)
Beetroot
Neem leaves
Cornflour or gram flour for the base
Spinach, henna, and sandalwood
These ingredients are not only safe but also readily available in Indian households.
Ingredients: Turmeric powder, gram flour or cornflour
Method:
Mix turmeric powder with gram flour or cornflour in a 1:2 ratio to make a dry yellow powder.
For wet colour, mix turmeric with water to form a solution.
Benefits: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it safe for the skin.
Ingredients: Dried hibiscus flowers, red sandalwood powder, or beetroot
Method:
Dry hibiscus flowers and grind them into a fine powder for a vibrant red.
For wet red colour, boil beetroot slices in water and strain the solution after cooling.
Benefits: Hibiscus and beetroot are rich in antioxidants and add a healthy glow to the skin.
Ingredients: Neem leaves, spinach, henna
Method:
Dry neem leaves or spinach, grind them into a powder, and mix with gram flour for dry green colour.
For wet colour, blend neem leaves with water to create a paste.
Benefits: Neem and spinach have antibacterial properties and are gentle on the skin.
Ingredients: Blue hibiscus flowers or jacaranda flowers
Method:
Dry the flowers and grind them into powder.
For a wet blue colour, soak blue hibiscus in water overnight and strain.
Benefits: These flowers provide a soothing effect on the skin.
Ingredients: Marigold flowers and saffron
Method:
Dry marigold flowers and grind them into a powder.
Mix saffron strands in water for a wet orange colour.
Benefits: Marigold is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while saffron adds a luxurious touch.
Dry Ingredients Properly: Ensure flowers and leaves are completely dried before grinding to avoid clumping.
Store in Airtight Containers: Keep your natural colours in airtight jars to retain freshness and vibrancy.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Prepare wet colours fresh on the day of Holi for the best results.
Safe for Skin: Free from chemicals, these colours prevent rashes and allergies.
Environmentally Friendly: Being biodegradable, they cause no harm to nature.
Cost-Effective: Most ingredients are readily available at home, reducing costs.
Customisable: You can experiment with different combinations for unique shades.
At Cock Colours, we understand the importance of safety and sustainability in festivals. Our range of organic holi colours is crafted with the finest natural ingredients to ensure your celebrations are joyous, safe, and environmentally friendly. Embrace the spirit of Holi with our vibrant, chemical-free colours that bring the essence of tradition to life.
This Holi, take a conscious step towards celebrating responsibly by stepping away from harmful synthetic powders and embracing the charm of natural holi colours. By preparing your own colours, you not only protect your skin and health but also contribute positively to the environment. Adding a personal touch to the festival with homemade organic colours brings a unique sense of joy and fulfillment to your celebrations. Every hue—whether it’s the vibrant yellows from turmeric, the soothing greens from neem leaves, or the radiant reds from hibiscus petals—becomes a beautiful testament to the bountiful gifts of nature.
For those who prefer convenience without compromising on safety and quality, Cock Colours is your ideal choice. Known for their commitment to eco-friendly and skin-friendly products, Cock Colours ensures that your Holi is filled with vibrant and safe shades, free from harmful chemicals. Their Organic holi Colours are crafted to keep the essence of traditional celebrations alive while aligning with modern eco-conscious values. With Cock Colours, you can truly celebrate Holi in its purest form—joyful, meaningful, and sustainable.
So, this Holi, let your celebrations be more than just a burst of colours; let them be a reflection of love, care, and respect for nature and the people around you. Spread happiness, embrace sustainability, and revel in the joyous spirit of the festival. Choose Cock Colours and create lasting memories with colours that not only brighten your day but also uphold the true essence of Holi.
Celebrate responsibly, cherish every moment, and let the vibrant hues of Holi spread love, joy, and happiness in the most meaningful and eco-friendly way!