So, Holi’s around the corner and you’re probably tired of all those chemical-filled color powders from the market, right? Same here.
That’s why more and more of us are going back to how it was done traditionally—making Holi color powder at home with stuff that’s already lying around the kitchen.
And honestly, it’s not just safer for your skin—it feels good knowing exactly what’s in the powder you’re throwing around.
Let me walk you through it. We’ll cover how to make green, yellow, red, and blue colors using natural ingredients like haldi, mehndi, and even flowers. It’s fun, simple, and kind of nostalgic.
Why Bother Making Colors at Home?
Let’s be real: those shiny plastic packets from the shop? Full of chemicals. They sting your eyes, ruin your clothes, and leave stains that stay on your skin forever.
But when you make your own colors, you get:
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Zero chemicals
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Gentle-on-skin powders
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Easy-to-wash, even when it’s dry gulal
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Totally safe for kids and pets
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That extra feeling of “I made this myself!”
Green Color – Henna to the Rescue
What you need:
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A bowl of plain flour
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A little green mehndi (not the black one!)
What to do:
Take your flour, toss in a bit of mehndi, and mix it up. Don’t go overboard—just enough to give it that soft green look. That’s it.
Also, a quick tip—don’t add water if you’re gonna use it on the face. Dry powder comes off much more easily.
Yellow Powder – Haldi is King
You’ll need:
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2 small spoons of haldi (turmeric)
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A tiny splash of water (or skip it!)
Mix haldi with just a bit of water. Let it sit and dry out for a day before Holi. Trust me, it makes all the difference. It sets better, doesn’t stain your face, and feels so fresh.
Red Powder – The Natural Way
Want that beautiful red without the harsh dye? Here’s a trick.
Grab:
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Red sandalwood powder
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A spoon or two of haldi
Mix them together in a dry bowl. The haldi softens the red just enough, and you end up with this lovely, earthy gulal. Plus, sandalwood smells amazing. You’ll love it.
Blue Powder – Let Nature Work Its Magic
This one’s a bit of a process, but it’s worth it.
You can either:
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Dry some Jacaranda flowers (those purplish-blue ones) and grind them
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Or, boil Indigo leaves, let the water cool, and use that as a wet color or dry the remains for powder
Both options give you gorgeous, safe blue tones. And bonus: people will ask you where you got that color from!
Want Other Shades?
Sure! Here are some extra ideas:
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Beetroot juice – for a deep pink
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Spinach – for a darker green
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Marigold petals – crush ‘em for yellow-orange
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Rose petals – gives a nice light pink
It’s all about what you have at home.
Before You Plan Your Holi Bash…
Don’t forget to check if your city has a Dry Day in India Today. Liquor shops are often shut during Holi in many places, and trust me, it’s better to know in advance than be disappointed on the day.
FAQs
What is the colored powder used in Holi?
That’s called Gulal. Traditionally, it’s made from natural stuff like flowers and herbs. Nowadays, a lot of people are switching to organic Holi colours powder to avoid skin trouble.
Is Holi powder safe for skin?
Only if it’s natural. Homemade ones? 100% yes. But those shiny packets from the store? Not always. If the label says Rooh, Pakka Rang, or doesn’t mention ingredients—skip it.
Can I wash off Holi colors easily?
If you use homemade or herbal gulal, yep. Just soap and water. But if you used market Paka Rang, good luck scrubbing for 3 days!
What’s the best Holi color to use?
Turmeric yellow, henna green, beetroot pink. All natural. All safe. And they smell nice too.
What is Rooh or Paka Rang?
“Rooh” usually means strong or deep color, often liquid or oily. “Pakka Rang” means the heavy, chemical-laden stuff that stains your skin and clothes for days. Not worth it. Go non-toxic..