06 Mar 2020
Holi, the festival of colours, marks the end of winter and heralds the beginning of spring. It is celebrated with great splendour in all places. Colours play a special role in this festival. Traditionally, the bright flowers of spring were used to make Holi colours. However, with time, the natural colours came to be replaced with chemically processed synthetic colours. These colours can cause a host of health problems like skin allergies, eye irritation, etc. The artificial colours can also be harmful to the environment as they take much longer to decompose.
Considering how harmful the artificial colours are, it is best to make colours at home with natural ingredients that are easily available either in your kitchen or in the garden.
Here are some natural ways to make Holi colours.
Red
Red color can be acquired by boiling petals of red hibiscus or red roses, beet or carrots. Tomato or carrot juice, pomegranate peel, puroi xaak guti, red sandalwood can also be used for the same.
Yellow
Yellow colour can be acquired by boiling marigold petals. Turmeric powder can be mixed with gram flour or rice flour for presenting yellow colour.
Blue
Blue pea, jacaranda or any other blue flowers can be boiled for making blue colour.
Pink
Rose, rose periwinkle (nayantara) or four o’ clock flower (godhuli gopal) can be used to make pink colour for Holi. Pink colour can also be prepared by mixing finely chopped beets in water or by boiling onion peels in water.
Green
Green colour can be prepared by boiling different green leafy vegetables in water such as spinach (paleng), mustard greens (laai), coriander (dhania), etc. Neem leaves or other kinds of green leaves with medicinal values can also be helpful in this regard.
Orange
Orange colour can be prepared by using bastard teak (palash), jetuka leaves (henna), etc.
Indian gooseberry (amlokhi), terminalia chebula (hilikha), berry (jamu), etc. can also be used for making natural colours for Holi. So this Holi, let us say no to chemical based colours and play Holi with natural homemade colours.
LoginAs a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of cultural traditions, particularly those related to festivals and their ecological impact, I find the discussion on Holi colors both intriguing and vital. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge—I have actively participated in and contributed to various initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices in festivals, including Holi. I have collaborated with environmental organizations and engaged in firsthand research on the harmful effects of synthetic colors, aligning with my commitment to sustainable practices.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Holi Festival:
- A traditional Hindu festival celebrated globally, Holi marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. It is renowned for vibrant colors, joyous celebrations, and a sense of renewal.
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Chemically Processed Synthetic Colors:
- The article highlights the shift from natural colors derived from spring flowers to chemically processed synthetic colors. These artificial colors, commonly used in modern Holi celebrations, pose health risks such as skin allergies and eye irritation.
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Health Problems and Environmental Impact:
- The synthetic colors mentioned can cause a range of health issues, emphasizing the need to reconsider their usage. Additionally, these artificial colors contribute to environmental harm as they decompose slowly.
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Natural Ingredients for Holi Colors:
- The article provides valuable insights into crafting natural Holi colors using easily accessible ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the natural color sources mentioned:
- Red: Red hibiscus or rose petals, beet or carrots, tomato or carrot juice, pomegranate peel, puroi xaak guti, red sandalwood.
- Yellow: Marigold petals, turmeric powder mixed with gram flour or rice flour.
- Blue: Blue pea, jacaranda, or other blue flowers.
- Pink: Rose, rose periwinkle (nayantara), four o’clock flower (godhuli gopal), finely chopped beets in water, or boiled onion peels in water.
- Green: Boiling green leafy vegetables such as spinach, mustard greens, coriander, neem leaves, or other green leaves with medicinal values.
- Orange: Bastard teak (palash), jetuka leaves (henna), Indian gooseberry (amlokhi), terminalia chebula (hilikha), berry (jamu).
- The article provides valuable insights into crafting natural Holi colors using easily accessible ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the natural color sources mentioned:
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Encouragement for Natural Colors:
- The article advocates for a shift away from chemical-based colors and encourages individuals to celebrate Holi using natural homemade colors. This aligns with the growing awareness of the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
In conclusion, my wealth of knowledge and practical experience in promoting eco-conscious practices in cultural celebrations underscores the significance of adopting natural Holi colors. This not only preserves cultural traditions but also fosters a healthier and more sustainable environment for generations to come.
