During Holi, people traditionally play with coloured powders known as “Holi colour powder” or “gulal”. However, many commercially available colour powders contain harmful chemicals that can be damaging to both health and the environment. To promote eco-friendliness and ensure the safety of all participants, making homemade Holi colour powder using natural ingredients is an excellent alternative.
Holi colour powder
Below are ten easy and eco-friendly recipes for making Holi colour powder at home.
Turmeric Yellow
- Ingredients: Turmeric powder, Cornstarch or flour
- Method: Turmeric, renowned for its vibrant yellow hue, is a staple in Indian households. To make turmeric yellow Holi colour powder, simply mix turmeric powder with a small amount of cornstarch or flour to dilute the colour and aid in even distribution. Turmeric not only provides a radiant yellow shade but also offers skin benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Beetroot Red:
- Ingredients: Beetroot powder
- Method: Begin by grating fresh beetroot and allowing it to dry completely. Once dried, grind the beetroot into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. This natural dye produces a beautiful shade of red without any harmful chemicals, making it safe for both skin contact and the environment.
Spinach Green
- Ingredients: Spinach powder
- Method: To create spinach green Holi colour powder, dehydrate fresh spinach leaves until they are completely dry. Once dried, grind the spinach leaves into a fine powder. This natural green colour is not only safe for skin contact but also offers a pleasant earthy fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience of playing Holi.
Blueberry Purple
- Ingredients: Dried blueberries
- Method: Dehydrate fresh blueberries until they are crisp and dry. Then, grind the dehydrated blueberries into a powder using a blender or food processor. This natural dye produces a lovely shade of purple without the use of artificial chemicals. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, making this colour option both safe and healthy for skin contact.
Carrot Orange
- Ingredients: Carrot powder
- Method: Dehydrate carrots until they are completely dry, then grind them into a fine powder. This vibrant orange colour is achieved using only natural ingredients. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, providing not only a beautiful hue but also offering subtle skin-nourishing properties.
Hibiscus Pink
- Ingredients: Dried hibiscus flowers
- Method: Dry hibiscus flowers thoroughly and grind them into a fine powder. This natural pink colour is gentle on the skin and has a pleasant floral aroma, adding an extra dimension to the Holi festivities. Hibiscus powder is known for its skin-soothing properties, making it a delightful and safe option for Holi colour powder.
Cocoa Brown
- Ingredients: Cocoa powder, Cornstarch or flour
- Method: Cocoa powder provides a rich brown colour suitable for Holi celebrations. Mix it with a small amount of cornstarch or flour to prevent clumping and ensure an even distribution of colour. Cocoa powder not only adds a deep brown hue but also offers a subtle chocolate fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience of playing Holi.
Also Read: 7 Festivals in India for Children To Learn
Saffron Gold
- Ingredients: Saffron strands, Cornstarch or flour
- Method: Crush saffron strands and mix them with cornstarch or flour to create a luxurious golden hue. Saffron adds a touch of elegance to Holi festivities while being completely natural. The golden colour symbolises prosperity and joy, making it a perfect addition to the celebration.
Marigold Orange
- Ingredients: Dried marigold petals
- Method: Dry marigold petals thoroughly and grind them into a fine powder. This vibrant orange colour symbolises the warmth and brightness of the festival. Marigold petals are not only visually stunning but also offer skin-soothing properties, making them an ideal choice for Holi colour powder.
Indigo Blue
- Ingredients: Indigo powder, Cornstarch or flour
- Method: Indigo powder, derived from the indigo plant, provides a deep blue colour perfect for Holi celebrations. Mix it with cornstarch or flour for easy application and even distribution of colour. Indigo blue symbolises peace and tranquillity, adding a serene element to the festivities.
Also Read: Holi 2024: How To Play Safe Holi With Children
Celebrating Safe Holi With Children
Celebrating Holi with kids can be a joyful and memorable experience, but it’s important to prioritise their safety and well-being. Here are some pointers on how to celebrate a safe Holi with kids:
Use Natural and Non-Toxic Colours:
- Opt for homemade Holi colours made from natural ingredients like turmeric, beetroot, or spinach.
- Ensure that the colours are non-toxic and safe for children’s delicate skin.
Protective Clothing and Sunscreen
- Dress kids in old clothes that cover most of their skin to minimise direct contact with colours.
- Apply a layer of sunscreen on their exposed skin to protect against harmful UV rays.
Eye Protection
- Encourage kids to wear sunglasses or protective eyewear to shield their eyes from colour powder and water splashes.
Hydration and Snacks
- Keep kids hydrated by offering plenty of water and hydrating beverages throughout the day.
- Provide healthy snacks to keep their energy levels up during outdoor activities.
Supervision and Safe Play Areas
- Supervise children closely during Holi celebrations to prevent accidents and ensure their safety.
- Create designated play areas that are free from hazards and obstacles where kids can enjoy the festivities safely.
Gentle Play
- Teach kids to play gently and respectfully, avoiding roughhousing or aggressive behaviour.
- Encourage them to be mindful of younger children and playmates to prevent accidental injuries.
Post-Play Cleanup
- Have a plan in place for post-play cleanup to ensure that kids can wash off colours safely and effectively.
- Use mild soap and lukewarm water to remove colour from skin and hair, avoiding harsh scrubbing.
Healthy Practices
- Remind kids to avoid putting coloured powder in their mouths or eyes and to wash their hands before eating.
- Emphasise the importance of good hygiene practices to prevent skin irritation or infections.
Allergies and Sensitivities
- Be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities that children may have to certain ingredients in Holi colours.
- Offer alternative activities or colour-free options for kids with sensitivities to ensure their inclusion in the celebrations.
Educational Activities
- Use Holi as an opportunity to educate kids about the significance of the festival, its cultural traditions, and the importance of respecting others’ boundaries and safety.
EuroSchool urges children to embrace the spirit of Holi with these eco-friendly alternatives and make their celebrations truly memorable and sustainable.
