Holi, the festival of colours is around the corner ready to welcome the spring season in India. Colours, being an integral part of the festival are sold all across the country. Back in old days, Holi was celebrated with natural and safe colours made from natural products like flowers, plants, etc.
However, in this rapidly changing world, the quality of these colours has degraded as well. The use of artificial colours while playing Holi has resulted in several side-effects like rashes, skin irritation, and much more. There are various methods following which people can make colours at home.
Below is the list of DIY colours which can be made following some simple methods:
Yellow: One of the most common ingredients available in every kitchen that is, turmeric can be used to prepare yellow colour. Turmeric, also known for its benefits as it has antiseptic properties helpful in treating skin diseases is an easy way to make yellow colour. It can be used directly from the pouches as they are already in the powdered form. Use a trusted, good organic brand if possible.
But turmeric is tough to remove hence, it is advised to mix it with rice flour, chickpea flour, or multani mitti.
Red: Raktachadan, also known as Red Sandalwood can be used to make red colour. Red Sandalwood is a tree famous for its skin treating qualities. It is also an important ingredient in many Ayurvedic lepas. Red Sandalwood consists of anti-inflammatory properties and is good for skin. The powder is available at any Ayurvedic store.
Orange: To prepare orange colour is very easy. All one needs to do is mix turmeric and Red Sandalwood powder. The orange colour formed can be used in wet as well as dry form. Different proportion of above mentioned colours, will create different shade of orange. For example, to make a bright orange, mix more turmeric then Red Sandalwood while for a deeper shade, add more Red Sandalwood powder and less turmeric.
Magenta/Pink: Beetroot is an easy and natural source to make magenta or pink colour. Beetroot juice as well as dehydrate beetroot can be used to get the colour. To get a dehydrated beetroot, cut it into thin slices and let it dry in sun. Or, to make the process easier, grind and juice a few beetroots, mix the juice with rice flour, and you are good to go.
Green: Green leaves like that of palak and neem can be used to make green colour. Juice them, or make a fine paste to get a green, vibrant colour out of them. It can also be mixed with besan or chickpea flour to make it easier to use.
Brown: Fuellers earth, commonly known as Multani mitti when mixed instant coffee powder results in a bright brown colour which can be used in Holi. Multani mitti is popular for its skin related benefits and are safe to use.
Any of the colours mentioned above are not harmful to the skin. Also, it is easy to remove them as they do not stay for a very long time. People can also opt for food colours if these processes seem tedious to them. Mix the food colour with rice flour, corn-starch, or multani mitti and use them as colours for Holi celebration.
