Holi, the festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the strengthening of social bonds. However, in recent years, the increasing use of synthetic and chemical-based colours has raised concerns regarding health hazards and environmental damage. These colours often contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, and other toxic substances that cause skin allergies, respiratory problems, and long-term ecological damage.
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To ensure a safe, eco-friendly, and enjoyable Holi, it is essential to switch to natural colours. Embracing the use of organic, plant-based colours not only protects human health but also safeguards the environment, ensuring that our celebrations remain joyful and sustainable.
The Importance of Natural Colours in Holi
Traditionally, Holi colours were derived from natural sources such as flowers, herbs, and other plant-based materials. People used to make their own colours at home with dried flower petals, turmeric, and various fruits and vegetables. However, with commercialisation, synthetic colours flooded the market, replacing these natural alternatives.
Chemical-based Holi colours pose multiple risks:
1. Health Hazards: Many synthetic colours contain heavy metals, acids, and industrial dyes that can cause serious skin allergies, eye irritation, and respiratory infections. Long-term exposure may even lead to more severe health conditions.
2. Environmental Pollution: After Holi celebrations, the remnants of chemical colours wash into rivers and water bodies, causing water pollution. These chemicals are non-biodegradable and have a toxic impact on aquatic life.
3. Harm to Animals: Stray animals and pets often come into contact with Holi colours, which may cause allergic reactions, poisoning, and other health complications.
4. Impact on Soil and Plants: Synthetic colours, when washed away, seep into the soil, affecting its fertility and harming plant life.
On the other hand, natural colours are derived from organic materials, making them safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable. They do not pose health risks and help preserve the purity of the environment while keeping the traditional essence of Holi alive.
How to Make Natural Holi Colours at Home
Creating natural Holi colours is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Here are some easy ways to make eco-friendly colours at home using natural ingredients:
Dry Colours (Gulal):
• Red: Dried hibiscus flowers or red sandalwood powder can be ground into a fine powder. Alternatively, dried rose petals can be crushed to create a red tint.
• Yellow: Turmeric (haldi) mixed with gram flour (besan) or sandalwood powder gives a bright yellow colour. Drying and grinding marigold petals also provide a beautiful golden-yellow shade.
• Green: Mehendi (henna) powder, crushed spinach leaves, or dried neem leaves can be used to create a refreshing green hue.
• Blue: Dried jacaranda or blue hibiscus flowers can be crushed for blue powder. Blueberries, indigo leaves, or butterfly pea flowers can also be used.
• Pink/Magenta: Beetroot powder, dried rose petals, or pomegranate peel powder offer vibrant shades of pink.
• Orange: Dried saffron flowers or a mix of turmeric and lime provide an orange hue.
Wet Colours:
• Red: Beetroot juice or pomegranate juice can be diluted with water to make a rich red colour.
• Yellow: A mixture of turmeric and water gives a bright yellow liquid colour.
• Green: Boiled neem leaves or crushed spinach mixed with water provide a natural green liquid.
• Blue: Boiling butterfly pea flowers or hibiscus petals in water gives a beautiful blue liquid colour.
• Pink: Rose petals soaked overnight in water create a delicate pink shade.
• Orange: Saffron strands soaked in water produce a deep orange colour.
Benefits of Playing Holi with Natural Colours
Switching to natural Holi colours is beneficial in multiple ways:
1. Safe for Skin and Health: Unlike synthetic colours that contain harmful chemicals, natural colours are gentle on the skin and do not cause irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions. They are safe for children, elderly individuals, and people with sensitive skin.
2. Environmentally Friendly: Natural colours decompose easily and do not pollute water bodies, soil, or air. They help in reducing environmental damage while promoting sustainability.
3. Non-Toxic for Children and Pets: Since natural colours are made from plant-based ingredients, they are completely safe for kids and pets, eliminating concerns about accidental ingestion or exposure.
4. Supports Sustainability: By using organic colours, we promote sustainable practices that reduce dependence on harmful industrial dyes. Additionally, using flowers and herbal materials creates a demand for eco-friendly products, benefiting local farmers and small-scale producers.
5. Encourages Traditional Practices: Using natural colours revives age-old traditions and connects us to our cultural roots. It also encourages the younger generation to adopt eco-friendly methods of celebration.
Spreading Awareness for an Eco-Friendly Holi
To make Holi celebrations more sustainable, individuals and communities must actively promote the use of natural colours. Some ways to spread awareness include:
1. Organising Eco-Friendly Holi Events: Communities and housing societies can arrange Holi celebrations using only natural colours. Publicising such initiatives encourages others to adopt eco-friendly practices.
2. Workshops on Making Natural Colours: Schools, colleges, and organisations can conduct workshops to teach people how to make natural Holi colours at home. This not only promotes sustainability but also involves people in creative activities.
3. Encouraging Local Markets to Sell Natural Colours: Retailers and markets should be encouraged to stock organic Holi colours. Supporting small businesses that produce eco-friendly colours will help them grow and make these colours more accessible.
4. Spreading the Message on Social Media: Social media platforms can be used to raise awareness about the harmful effects of synthetic colours and promote the benefits of natural alternatives. Posting DIY videos and tips on making natural colours can inspire more people to join the movement.
5. Leading by Example: By personally using natural colours and educating family and friends about their benefits, individuals can set an example and motivate others to make the switch.
Additional Tips for an Eco-Friendly Holi
Apart from using natural colours, we can make Holi celebrations more environmentally friendly by adopting the following practices:
• Avoid Water Wastage: Use dry colours wherever possible and play Holi responsibly to minimise water consumption.
• Say No to Plastic Balloons: Plastic water balloons create non-biodegradable waste and harm the environment. Instead, opt for traditional pichkaris (water guns) with minimal water usage.
• Use Herbal and Organic Products for Skin Protection: Apply coconut oil, mustard oil, or aloe vera gel before playing Holi to protect your skin from colour absorption.
• Opt for Cotton or Old Clothes: Wear cotton or old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained to reduce waste and unnecessary laundry loads.
• Celebrate Holi with Flowers: Instead of colours, some people prefer celebrating Holi with flower petals, which is a completely natural and biodegradable option.
Conclusion
Holi is a festival of love, unity, and joy. By choosing natural colours, we can celebrate this vibrant festival without harming ourselves or the planet. Making a conscious effort to use eco-friendly alternatives preserves both tradition and nature.
This Holi, let’s take a pledge to play with the colours of nature, ensuring a safer, happier, and more sustainable celebration. Spread happiness in its purest form, and let the true spirit of Holi shine bright!
(The author is a science journalist, sustainability advocate, former Director of Assam Seed & Organic Certification Agency, and Assam’s Ex-Joint Director of Agriculture. All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)