Holi is a festival of joy, love, and renewal, celebrated with bursts of colour, music, and togetherness. But behind the vibrant powders (gulal) that fill the air, there’s a history rooted in nature, tradition, and sustainability. Long before synthetic dyes flooded the market, homemade Holi colours were crafted from flowers, spices, and plant extracts, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly celebration.
In the Caribbean, Holi—known as Phagwa—is just as lively, with communities gathering to sing chowtal, throw colours, and mark the arrival of spring. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, many are returning to the traditional practice of making homemade Holi colours, reviving a lost art that is both safe and sustainable.
So how can you create your own natural Holi powders? Let’s explore the process, the history, and why this practice is making a comeback.
Why Make Your Own Holi Colours?
Commercial Holi powders often contain harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes, and heavy metals that can cause skin irritation, allergies, and environmental damage. In contrast, homemade Holi colours are:
Safe for skin and hair – Made from plant-based ingredients that won’t cause irritation.
Eco-friendly – Free from artificial chemicals, reducing pollution in water and soil.
Rooted in tradition – A return to the original way Holi was meant to be celebrated.
Cost-effective – Many of the ingredients are readily available in your kitchen or garden.
The practice of using natural colours for Holi dates back centuries, especially in North India and among Indo-Caribbean communities, where festival preparations involved drying flowers and grinding spices into colourful powders. The good news? It’s a simple and fun process that you can do at home!
The Tradition of Natural Holi Colours
In ancient India, Holi was celebrated with flower petals and plant-based dyes. Villages would dry spring blossoms, crush them into fine powders, and mix them with flour or clay to create soft, skin-friendly colours. Turmeric, hibiscus, neem leaves, and indigo were common choices, each carrying its own medicinal benefits.
The Indo-Caribbean community carried this tradition overseas, adapting it to new environments while keeping Holi’s essence alive. In places like Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname, Holi (Phagwa) became a fusion of Hindu traditions, Creole influences, and local resources, yet retained its core elements of joyful colour play and spiritual renewal.
Today, as people seek safer and greener alternatives, the art of homemade Holi colours is experiencing a revival, allowing festival-goers to celebrate responsibly.
How to Make Natural Holi Colours at Home
You don’t need a laboratory to make your own Holi powders—all you need are natural ingredients, a little sunshine, and a grinder.
Yellow Holi Colour 🌼
- Turmeric powder (for deep golden yellow)
- Dried marigold petals (sun-dried and crushed)
- Gram flour (besan) or rice flour (to lighten the shade)
Why? Turmeric is antibacterial and great for skin, while marigold petals add a beautiful, golden glow.
Red Holi Colour 🌺
- Dried hibiscus flowers (sun-dried and ground into powder)
- Beetroot powder (made from dried, blended beetroot)
- Red sandalwood powder (for a deeper shade)
Why? Hibiscus has cooling properties, while beetroot provides a rich, natural red without any irritation.
Green Holi Colour 🍃
- Spinach powder (blanched, dried, and ground)
- Moringa leaves (a traditional Caribbean herbal remedy)
- Neem leaves (dried and crushed)
Why? These ingredients cleanse the skin while providing a beautiful leafy green shade.
Blue Holi Colour 💙
- Butterfly Pea Flower (Blue Pea) powder
- Jacaranda flower petals (dried and ground)
Why? Blue Pea Flowers have ayurvedic benefits, while jacaranda gives a stunning natural blue.
Pink & Purple Holi Colour 💜💗
- Boiled beetroot water (dried and powdered for a soft pink hue)
- Red cabbage (boiled and dried for a deep purple shade)
Why? These give rich colours that are both bold and natural.
Orange Holi Colour 🧡
- Dried saffron flowers (for a soft, sunset-like orange)
- Annatto seeds (a natural Caribbean spice that creates a warm hue)
Why? Annatto has been used for natural dyes in the Caribbean for centuries!
How to Prepare and Store Your Holi Colours?
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the process is simple:
- Dry your ingredients completely. Sun-dry flowers, leaves, and spices for 3-5 days until all moisture is gone.
- Grind them into a fine powder. Use a mortar & pestle, spice grinder, or blender for best results.
- Mix with a base like cornflour, rice flour, or gram flour to make the powder softer and easier to apply.
- Store in airtight containers. Keep them cool and dry to maintain their vibrancy.
Pro Tip: If you want wet colours, mix your powders with water and let them sit overnight. Use boiled beetroot or saffron water for extra intensity!
Tips For a Safe & Eco-Friendly Holi
- Apply coconut oil to your skin and hair before playing—it helps wash off colours easily!
- Choose open spaces with lots of ventilation when playing Holi.
- Avoid synthetic colours—they can cause allergies and are harmful to the environment.
- Play a dry Holi (with powders instead of water) to save resources.
- Encourage children to take part in making colours—it’s a great way to pass on cultural traditions!
Bringing Back the Beauty of Traditional Holi
Holi is not just about colours—it’s about community, culture, and connection. Whether in India, the Caribbean, or across the diaspora, the joy of Phagwa remains the same.
By making your own homemade Holi colours, you honour tradition, protect the environment, and bring a personal touch to your celebrations.
So this year, why not ditch the synthetic powders and go natural? Your skin, the earth, and generations before you will thank you for it.
How will you celebrate Holi this year? Share your homemade Holi colours with us on Currybien! 🎨
