Holi, the festival of colours is a vibrant celebration of joy, love, laughter, and togetherness. Holi marks the end of winters and the beginning of spring. People across India celebrate Holi with gulal, splashing pichkaris at each other and throwing water balloons at each other. Loud music, thandai and white clothes stained in multi-coloured gulal is how usually Holi looks like. While the festival is renowned for its colourful splashes and lively atmosphere, synthetic colours made of chemicals impact our skin as well as the environment.
Earlier, holi was played with gulal and flowers but nowadays, various chemical laden colours are available in the market which can cause serious skin problems. These colours do not go away in one wash and take at least 3-4 baths to remove it completely, peeling the skin and leaving it dry. Even if you apply moisturiser or oil before playing holi, the colour does not go away easily. Fortunately, there's a beautiful solution that not only brings back the essence of tradition but also promotes sustainability – homemade colours. This holi, say no to these chemically made colours and say yes to organically made colours.
Why Homemade Colors?
Homemade colours are natural, eco-friendly, and safe for the skin. They are made from simple, everyday ingredients found in your kitchen or garden, making them a sustainable choice for celebrating Holi.
Green Colour
Grind coriander and spinach and strain them. In the puree, add the above written quantity of cornstarch. Mix it till the colour gets even. Spread it away on a plate and let it dry. After it dries, collect it in a bowl using a strainer. You can also use henna powder and cornstarch mixture for making a vibrant green colour.
Yellow Colour
Turmeric, a staple in Indian households, can be used to create a vibrant yellow colour. Mix turmeric powder with besan (gram flour) or cornstarch for a bright and cheerful hue. Turmeric is not only a natural yellow colour but is also good for your skin. If you play holi with this colour, your skin too will enhance.
Red Color
Mixing cornstarch with red sandalwood powder will give you a deep red colour to play holi with. You can also mix red sandalwood powder with flour if you don’t have cornstarch available. This mixture of colour will give a smooth texture that is gentle on skin.
Pink Colour
Beetroot juice is a natural dye that can be used to create a lovely pink colour. Mix it with flour or cornstarch for a gentle and earth-friendly option.
Safety Tips
While homemade colours are safe, it's essential to take some precautions:
- Perform a patch test before using any colour to ensure there are no allergic reactions.
- Avoid using ingredients that can cause irritation, such as certain flowers or herbs.
- Keep the colours away from the eyes and mouth to prevent any discomfort or harm.
Conclusion
This Holi, let's embrace the beauty of tradition and sustainability by using homemade colours. Not only do they add a personal touch to the celebrations, but they also promote a cleaner, greener planet. These natural colours will also provide your skin a relief from harmful chemicals saving it from damage. Gather your friends and family, mix up a batch of homemade colours, and let the vibrant hues of Holi fill your hearts with joy and togetherness.