Come springtime every year, the festival of colours comes knocking at our doors with the rejuvenated hope of new beginnings and a plethora of red, yellow, and pink gulaal filling the streets.
The Hindu festival that is known to mark the victory of good over evil and that includes a vibrant celebration full of joyous colours and merrymaking has been popularised beyond the realm of South Asia itself.
However, thanks to the chemical in the colours, it’s no secret that our skin hates Holi! While the neon hues might seem attractive, the ill-effects of chemical and synthetic colours have proved to be more than skin-deep.
This is why, we, at Homegrown, recommend the good ol’ organic method of celebration — switching to organic colours made of plant-based substances that are the ultimate answer to your Holi woes!
Here’s a quick run-through of the safest gulaal options to keep your Holi spirit going:
I. Advait Living
Advait Living offers an Organic Holi range that celebrates joy with safety and sustainability in mind. Their plant-based gulals, made from 100% natural ingredients, boast pastel shades derived from edible flowers and vegetables. Lab-tested for safety and cruelty-free, each purchase empowers micro-farmers and supports sustainable agriculture. Additionally, their plantable Holi-themed art postcards spread festive cheer while nurturing the environment, made from recycled paper embedded with seeds.
II. HOOVU FRESH
Hoovu Fresh brings the essence of nature to your Holi celebrations with their all-natural colors sourced from the treasures of the earth. From the sweet aroma of rose-infused purple to the healing properties of neem leaves and tulsi in their green hues, each color tells a story of purity and vitality. With no added chemicals or scents, Hoovu Fresh ensures that your festivities are not only vibrant but also eco-conscious, embracing the beauty of spring in its purest form.
III. PHOOL
Crafted with handpicked flowers and herbs rich in colour pigment and therapeutic properties, Phool’s gulaal is handmade by women coming from the marginalised sections of the society which makes it a great add-on to your Holi supplies. The brand’s initiative to employ women from this section of society empowers them by providing them financial security along with paving the way towards a dignified way of life. Adding to the philanthropic ethos is the brand’s sustainable bio packaging that makes it a must-add on your list of Holi supplies.
IV. Brown Living
Brown Living embodies the spirit of sustainable living, offering eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products without compromising on style or quality. With a focus on making sustainability accessible and appealing, they curate products that are not only good for the planet but also enhance the consumer experience. From upcycled textile baskets to natural Holi colors, their offerings promote conscious consumption and celebrate the beauty of eco-friendly living.
V. Avani | Kumaon Earthcraft Cooperative
Rooted in the Himalayan ethos, this cooperative empowers local women through handcrafted, handwoven products that are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Their organic Holi colors, made using natural dyes like turmeric and Himalayan indigo, not only add vibrancy to celebrations but also reflect a commitment to sustainable practices. With the UNESCO Seal of Excellence, Avani ensures that each product carries the essence of tradition, craftsmanship, and ethical production.
VI. Brio Art house
Their all-natural Holi colors, handcrafted by skilled women artisans, reflect a commitment to tradition and sustainability. With offerings like kulhads for thandai mix and bottles of attar, Brio Art House infuses the essence of the festivities into every aspect of their creations. By supporting local craftsmanship and embracing eco-friendly practices, they invite you to join them in a celebration that goes beyond colors to create meaningful connections.
VII. Monks Bouffe
Monks Bouffe's ABEER initiative embodies the spirit of tradition and heritage, supporting the handcrafted natural colors crafted by the BHIL tribals of Rajasthan. Made using only edible ingredients from the forest and farm, these colors are not only safe for consumption but also gentle on the skin, making them suitable for children and animals alike. With ABEER, Monks Bouffe encourages a joyful and inclusive celebration of Holi, where every splash of color represents compassion, sustainability, and the timeless bond between humanity and nature.
VIII. Tattvalogy
Tattvalogy offers a unique blend of tradition and inclusivity with their natural, organic Holi colors made by specially-abled individuals. Sourced from flowers collected from temples across the country and combined with fresh, organic ingredients, these vibrant colors symbolize unity and compassion. With a focus on eco-friendliness and minimal environmental impact, Tattvalogy empowers you to celebrate Holi joyfully while embracing inclusivity and sustainability.
IX. Ohria Ayurveda
Ohria Ayurveda offers skin-safe Holi colors derived from protective plants and flowers, ensuring a celebration that's gentle on the skin and the environment. With variants like Tesu & Haldi and Rose & Pomegranate, their natural gulaal revives the tradition of playing Holi with flowers. Harnessing the essence of pure natural ingredients, their colors create vibrant hues that resonate with the colors of spring, promoting a safe and joyful celebration.
X. Suspire
Suspire presents petal gulal for Holi, crafted with real flowers and natural, non-toxic ingredients. Their vegan and eco-friendly gulal comes in four vibrant packs, including orange, yellow, red, and green. Made with maize starch and permissible food-grade colors, Suspire's gulal guarantees no skin irritation or oral toxicity, ensuring a safe and enjoyable Holi experience for all. Additionally, their ubtan-based gulal, infused with herbs, flowers, and vegetable extracts, offers a wholesome and skin-friendly alternative for a truly memorable celebration.
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