This Holi, smear the faces with organic colors
Holi, the festival of colors, marks the beginning of spring and brings with it the colors of joy that represent the different shades of the spring season. But sadly this beautiful festival is no more beautiful and has become a source of environmental degradation. It has been ruthlessly marketed by chemical dye manufacturing companies that produce harmful dyes that seriously affect the environment. Many environmental and social groups have come forward frequently to make people aware of the harmful effects of Holi colors. These groups encourage people to use organic colors and urge them to go back to traditional ways to enjoy the true essence of the festival. This article aims to make people aware of the negative effects of Holi gulal on our health and environment.
Usually, there are three different types of Holi colors available in the market. These include Holi Paste Colours, Holi Dry Colours, and Holi Wet Colours. Let’s take a look at the composition of these 3 different types of colors.
Harmful Chemicals in Holi Paste Colors
Color – Chemical content – Effects on health
Green – Copper sulphate – Eye allergy and temporary blindness
Black – Lead Oxide – Kidney failure and learning disabilities
Purpura – Chromium iodide – Bronchial asthma and other respiratory diseases
Silver – Aluminum bromide – Carcinogenic
Red – Mercury Sulfide – Skin Cancer
Harmful chemicals on Holi Gulal
Holi gulal colors, also called dry Holi, are made of a dye and a base. The dyes used to make Holi gulal are toxic and the base is mostly asbestos or silica. Both components cause health related problems. The dyes contain heavy metals, which can cause respiratory problems, dermatitis, eye allergies, etc.
Harmful chemicals in Wet Holi colors
Wet Holi colors are mainly made from gentian violet which causes skin discoloration and many other skin related diseases. Holi color vendors, especially roadside vendors, often sell colors that are intended for industrial use only. The degree of health problems caused by these colors cannot be comprehended.
How these colors affect the environment
These toxic Holi colors not only pose a threat to your health, but also affect our environment. Frequent use of these colors can upset the ecological balance. Holi colors are very difficult to break down biologically as they are polymers with a complex structure. Washing away, these toxic colors enter rivers and soil and do not break down easily and cause environmental degradation.
The safer alternative
Considering the health and environmental risks of chemical-based Holi colours, it is very important that people switch to organic Holi colours. These herbal colors can be easily made at home with natural ingredients. One can enjoy the Holi festival with organic colors without worrying about anything. Herbal gulal is not only a great alternative to chemical Holi colors, but these colors also produce a healthy glowing effect on the skin. Let’s take a look at how easily you can make these Holi colors at home.
Color – Method of Preparation
Red- Mix red sandalwood powder with sindoor or soak red hibiscus flowers overnight for a wet red color.
Saffron- Crush the dried tesu flowers into a powder, and then mix with sandalwood powder.
Yellow- Mix turmeric (haldi) and gram flour (besan) to get a yellow color
Black- Boil gooseberries (amla fruits) in an iron pot for a few minutes and leave it for some time and then dilute it for later use.
Green- Mix henna powder (mehendi) with any suitable flour to get a beautiful shade of green.
So now that you have many different ways to extract the natural and organic Holi colors, go ahead and play safe Holi this season. You can also easily get these colors made for you at different online organic color stores. Just find the best one for you. Happy Holidays!