There was a time when Holi was celebrated with natural colors made from flower petals and tesu flowers. However, the market is now flooded with chemical-based colors that can be harmful to the skin, hair, and overall health. These synthetic colors contain harsh chemicals that are difficult to remove, even with moisturizer or oil.
To avoid these harmful effects, organic colors can be easily prepared at home. Not only are they safe for the skin and hair, but they are also simple to make.
The Dangers of Synthetic Colors
According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, most commercially available Holi colors contain toxic chemicals that can cause skin allergies, eye irritation, and respiratory problems like asthma. The study highlights that children are particularly vulnerable to these harmful effects.
Easy Ways to Make Organic Colors at Home
Orange Color (from Orange Peels)
Dry orange peels thoroughly and grind them into a fine powder. Add corn flour and a small amount of turmeric, then sift the mixture through a cotton cloth. Your natural orange gulal is ready.
Green Color (from Spinach, Mint, or Coriander)
Grind washed spinach, mint, or coriander leaves into a fine paste. Strain the liquid through a sieve and add a few drops of rose water. For gulal, mix the liquid with corn flour, let it dry under the sun, and then sift it for a smooth texture.
Pink Color (from Beetroot)
Grate one or two beetroots and extract the juice using a sieve. Add a tablespoon of rose water. To make gulal, mix the liquid with corn flour, dry the mixture in sunlight, and then grind and sift it for a fine texture.
Red Color (from Rose Petals and Hibiscus Flowers)
Soak rose petals and hibiscus flowers in water for an hour before grinding them into a paste. Mix with corn flour and let it dry in the sun. Once fully dried, sift through a cotton cloth for smooth gulal.
Yellow Color (from Turmeric and Gram Flour)
Boil two tablespoons of turmeric powder in one cup of hot water and let it cool. Add two tablespoons of rose water and three cups of corn flour, then mix well. Dry the mixture under the sun and sift it to create a fine yellow gulal.
This Holi, opt for these natural, skin-friendly alternatives and enjoy a safe and colorful celebration without chemical hazards!