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Holi is a festival of colors, joy, and togetherness. However, many store-bought colors contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and eyes and even cause long-term health issues.
If you want to enjoy a safe and eco-friendly Holi, making your organic colors at home is a wonderful option. It’s simple, fun, and a great way to involve your family in festive preparations.
Why Choose Organic Holi Colors?

Commercial Holi colors often contain artificial dyes, heavy metals, and synthetic chemicals that can lead to allergic reactions and environmental pollution.
Organic colors, on the other hand, are made from natural ingredients that are safe for the skin, biodegradable, and easy to wash off. Plus, creating them at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize shades as you like.
Essential Ingredients for Natural Colors
Before you begin, gather these easily available kitchen ingredients:
- Red: Dried hibiscus flowers, red sandalwood powder, or beetroot powder
- Yellow: Turmeric powder, dried marigold petals, or besan (gram flour)
- Green: Dried henna leaves, spinach powder, or neem leaves
- Blue: Dried blue hibiscus flowers or crushed jacaranda flowers
- Orange: Dried tesu (palash) flowers or saffron soaked in water
- Pink: Beetroot powder mixed with rice flour
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Organic Holi Colors
1. Dry Powder Colors
Dry colors are easy to make and can be stored for long periods. Follow these simple steps:
- Red: Grind dried hibiscus flowers into a fine powder. Alternatively, mix red sandalwood powder with a bit of rice flour for a softer shade.
- Yellow: Mix turmeric with gram flour or arrowroot powder to reduce its intensity and make it easy to apply.
- Green: Dry henna or neem leaves in the sun and grind them into a fine powder.
- Blue: Crush dried blue hibiscus flowers or use finely ground indigo powder.
- Orange: Dry palash flowers and grind them into a powder.
2. Wet Colors
Wet Holi colors are vibrant and easy to prepare using natural ingredients:
- Red: Boil beetroot slices in water until a deep red hue develops. Let it cool before use.
- Yellow: Soak a few strands of saffron in warm water or mix turmeric in water.
- Green: Blend fresh spinach leaves with water to create a bright green shade.
- Blue: Soak jacaranda flowers in water overnight to extract the color.
- Orange: Boil palash flowers in water for a rich orange hue.
Happy Holi! The Festival of Colors
Storage and Usage Tips

- Store dry powders in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption.
- Keep wet colors refrigerated if preparing in advance, and use them within a day or two.
- To make colors last longer, dry them in the sun and store them in cloth bags or glass jars.
Celebrating Holi the Eco-Friendly Way
Using organic colors for Holi is just one way to make the festival safer and more sustainable. Here are some additional tips:
- Wear old, natural-fiber clothing that can be easily cleaned.
- Apply coconut oil or aloe vera gel on your skin and hair before playing Holi to prevent stains.
Making colors at home is not only easy but also a rewarding experience. It connects us with nature, ensures a safer festival for our loved ones, and helps protect the environment.
Purchasing Organic Colors

If making colors at home isn’t feasible, several high-quality, eco-friendly options are available for purchase. Here are some top-rated products:
- Kulture Khazana All Natural, Washable, Biodegradable, Holi Non-Toxic Color Powder 100gm Pack of 20, Perfect for Color Play
- Holi Colors | Color Powder| Gulal | Pack of 4 Organic color powder | Herbal Gulal | Holi powder | Natural color powder
Tutorial: Making Organic Holi Colors at Home
For a hands-on approach, here’s a recommended tutorial on making colors at home:
- How To Make Holi Colors at Home | Chemical-Free Natural Colors: This video provides step-by-step instructions on crafting safe, vibrant colors using common household ingredients.
By choosing organic colors, whether homemade or purchased, you ensure a joyous and safe Holi celebration for your family and the environment.
Happy Holi!