Ayantika Malakar

Holi—the festival of colours, love, and joy—is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, transcending barriers of region, caste, and religion. Over time, its vibrancy has spread far beyond India, captivating people across the globe through the Indian diaspora.

Rooted in Hindu tradition, Holi has deep significance. It marks the arrival of spring, celebrates the eternal love of Radha and Krishna, and symbolizes the victory of good over evil, commemorating Vishnu’s incarnation as Narasimha slaying the tyrant king Hiranyakashipu.

The Changing Face of Holi

Traditionally, Holi was celebrated with plant-based colours, sacred rituals, delicious treats like Gujhia, Shakkarpaare, Mathri, all shared in the spirit of togetherness. However, in recent years, commercialization and changing social practices have altered the way we celebrate this beautiful festival and overshadowed its spiritual and environmental essence.

For many, Holi has become more about a nationwide holiday, loud music and boisterous celebrations. While fun and festivity are important, some changes are concerning:

• Cheap, mass-produced colours loaded with chemicals have become the norm: In the past, Holi colours were made from flowers, turmeric, leaves, and other natural ingredients that were safe for both humans and nature. Today, synthetic colours—often laden with harmful chemicals—have replaced these eco-friendly alternatives.
• Many use Holi as an excuse to intoxication and unruly behaviour: Holi has also seen a shift in its cultural and moral values. Many people now associate the festival with excessive alcohol consumption, often leading to reckless behavior, accidents, harassment, and even criminal activities. The sacredness of the occasion is being diluted, turning what should be a celebration of joy and unity into an excuse for chaos.
• Even animals are unwilling participants: Stray animals and pets often get smeared with toxic colours, suffering from skin irritation and poisoning.
• Non-participants are forced indoors: While Holi is about joy and inclusion, some people prefer to stay away, fearing aggressive behavior from revelers.

The Hidden Dangers of Synthetic Colours

Did you ever wonder what these synthetic colours are made of? Even if we wash them off in a few hours, do they leave behind invisible harm—on our skin, on our environment, and on the animals who can’t even wipe off the colours from themselves.

Most synthetic Holi colours contain:

• Lead oxide (red) –causes skin irritation, poisoning, and long-term health issues.
• Copper sulfate (green) – Can lead to eye allergies and temporary blindness.
• Chromium (yellow) – Triggers skin conditions and respiratory problems.
• Mica powder & glass particles – Causes several minor cuts, skin damage, and pollution.

These chemicals don’t just harm humans—they seep into the soil, contaminate rivers and lakes, harming aquatic life and ecosystems. So, what’s the solution? Simple: Let’s go back to natural and sustainable Holi colours.

Play Holi the Eco-Friendly Way!

If you truly want to celebrate Holi as a festival of joy, then let’s make sure our colours don’t leave behind a trail of harm. Here’s how:

1. Play Floral Holi

Use fresh flower petals and small leaves to create a stunning, fragrant Holi experience—just like in Bollywood movies! Sort and crush petals from marigold, rose, hibiscus, or tesu (palash) flowers and shower them over your loved ones.

2. Make Your Own Organic Powder Colours

Why buy chemical-laden colours when you can make vibrant, skin-safe alternatives at home? Here’s how:

• Crimson – use beetroot, hibiscus, or rose petals.
• Yellow – use turmeric.
• Green – use spinach or coriander leaves.
• Blue – use aparajita (butterfly pea flower).
• Saffron/Orange – use carrot or marigold petals.

To make powdered colours use corn flour or talcum powder with blanched, dried and ground flowers and vegetables. If you prefer liquid colours, simply extract colour from beetroot, hibiscus, turmeric, or marigold and mix it with water. It’s fun, safe, and completely biodegradable!

(Remember, Holi celebration leads to excessive wastage. Given the global water crisis, it is our responsibility to celebrate mindfully. Instead of drenching people in water, we can opt for a dry Holi using herbal powder colours. But if using water, it should be done responsibly, ensuring minimal wastage.)

3. Too Lazy to DIY? Buy Organic Colours

If DIY isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Many brands now offer herbal, organic Holi colours that are skin-friendly, non-toxic, and environment-safe. Just make sure to check the labels before buying!

Rekindle the Spiritual Significance : Let’s Make Holi a Festival of Happiness, Not Harm

Holi is about spreading joy, not discomfort. Let’s celebrate in a way that respects tradition, nature, and each other:

Celebrate with a clear mind and heart; say no to alcohol and intoxicants that disrupt the sanctity of the festival.

Consent Matters; Holi should never be an excuse for unwanted advances or forceful application of colours. ‘Bura na mano Holi hai’ (Don’t mind, it’s Holi) should not justify any inappropriate behavior.

Respect boundaries; Be mindful and ensure that everyone around you is celebrating willingly, feeling safe and included.

Spread love, joy, and positivity; One of the most fulfilling ways to celebrate Holi is by sharing our joy with others. Let’s extend our celebrations to those who are less privileged by distributing sweets, clothes, or organic colours to children in need. Small acts of kindness can make Holi truly special and meaningful.

Let’s Pledge for a Harmless, Sustainable & Truly Colourful Holi!

Holi is about bringing colours into our lives, not toxins into our environment. By switching to natural colours, respecting boundaries, and celebrating mindfully, we can revive the festival’s true essence—one of love, laughter, and harmony.

This year, let’s celebrate Holi in a way that our ancestors would be proud of—colourful, spiritual, and in harmony with nature.

🌿 Say no to chemicals, say yes to nature! 🌿

Wishing you all a Happy, Safe, and Eco-Friendly Holi! (in advance)