This Holi, ditch synthetic dyes and celebrate with vibrant, chemical-free colours made from flowers and natural ingredients. Not only are these herbal colours gentle on the skin, but they are also environmentally friendly. Here’s how you can create your own safe Holi colours at home.
Yellow: The Glow of Marigold
Marigold flowers are a perfect choice for creating a bright yellow hue. Simply boil fresh marigold petals in water along with a pinch of turmeric. Once the color has fully infused, allow it to cool. Your natural yellow Holi colour is ready to use, ensuring a worry-free celebration.
Blue: The Magic of Aparajita
For a stunning blue shade, use Aparajita (Butterfly Pea) flowers. Dry them in the sun for 3-4 days and then grind them into a fine powder. Mix this powder with water to get a deep blue colour that is not only visually striking but also completely safe for the skin.
Pink: The Beauty of Roses
To create a soft pink gulal, boil fresh rose petals in water until the liquid turns a rosy shade. Add some arrowroot powder to the mixture and let it dry completely. The resulting powder is a silky, chemical-free alternative to synthetic gulal that is gentle on the skin.
Saffron: The Warmth of Palash
Palash flowers (Flame of the Forest) have been traditionally used to make saffron-coloured Holi water. Soak about 100 grams of dried Palash flowers in a bucket of water overnight. In the morning, boil the mixture, strain it, and let it cool. Your rich, natural saffron colour is now ready for a safe and joyful Holi.
Red: The Vibrance of Hibiscus & Rhododendron
For a stunning red hue, dry hibiscus and rhododendron flowers and grind them into a fine powder. This can be used directly as dry gulal. If you prefer liquid colour, mix the powder with water. Completely natural and free from harsh chemicals, this red colour won’t cause any skin irritation or allergies.
By opting for these homemade natural colours, you can celebrate Holi without worrying about skin allergies, hair damage, or environmental pollution.