Eve Teasing in Schools: What Parents Need to Know
Mar 10, 2025By Dr. Akanksha Priya
Many store-bought Holi colors contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and synthetic dyes that can cause skin allergies, eye irritation, and respiratory problems, especially in children, who have delicate skin and a tendency to put their hands in their mouths. Additionally, chemical colors can harm the environment when washed away into water sources.
So, how can we ensure that Holi remains safe, fun, and eco-friendly for our kids?
Why Choose Non-Toxic Holi Colors?
Health Benefits of Safe Colors
- Prevents Skin & Eye Irritation—Chemical-based colors can cause rashes, dryness, itching, and redness, especially in children with sensitive skin.
- Avoids Respiratory Issues – Synthetic powders often contain fine dust that can trigger asthma, coughing, or breathing difficulties.
- Safe if Accidentally Ingested – Children often put their hands in their mouths while playing. Non-toxic, food-grade colors eliminate risks of poisoning.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Choice
- No Harmful Pollution – Chemical colors contaminate soil and water, affecting plants and animals. Natural colors decompose quickly, keeping the environment safe.
- Gentle on Clothes & Hair - Compared to artificial dyes, Herbal colors don’t stain harshly and wash off easily.
By choosing safe Holi colors, you ensure that your child enjoys the festival without any health risks.
How to Identify Safe Holi Colors in the Market?
Not all “natural” colors available in stores are truly safe. Here’s how to pick the right ones:
- Check the Ingredients – Look for turmeric, dried flowers, cornstarch, or food-based dyes instead of chemical additives.
- Opt for Herbal or Organic Labels – Brands that explicitly mention “natural,” “herbal,” or “eco-friendly” are better choices.
- Feel the Texture – Safe colors feel soft and smooth, while chemical-based ones might feel rough (indicating the presence of harmful powders).
- Avoid Strong Smells – If a color has a strong, artificial scent, it likely contains harmful synthetic substances.
- Water-soluble is Best - I prefer dry, easily washable colors that don’t require strong soaps or scrubbing to remove.
DIY Natural Holi Colors: Make Your Own Safe Gulal
Want to be 100% sure about color safety? Make your own Holi colors at home! They’re easy, cost-effective, and completely safe for kids.
How to Make Natural Holi Colors at Home?
1. Yellow Color (Turmeric Magic)
• Ingredients: Turmeric powder + gram flour (besan) or cornstarch
• Method: Mix 2 tbsp turmeric with ½ cup gram flour for a soft, skin-friendly yellow color.
2. Pink Color (Beetroot Powder)
• Ingredients: Dried beetroot powder or rose petals
• Method: Dry beetroot slices in the sun and grind them into a fine powder. Alternatively, crush dried rose petals for a natural pink hue.
3. Green Color (Nature’s Touch)
• Ingredients: Dried henna leaves or spinach powder
• Method: Dry and grind fresh spinach or henna leaves for a safe green color.
4. Red Color (Vibrant & Safe)
• Ingredients: Red sandalwood powder or dried hibiscus flowers
• Method: Grind sun-dried hibiscus petals into a fine powder or use red sandalwood for a rich red shade.
5. Orange Color (The Sunshine Mix)
• Ingredients: Dried marigold petals + turmeric
• Method: Crush dried marigold flowers and mix with turmeric for a warm orange hue.
These homemade Holi colors are completely safe, chemical-free, and gentle on kids’ skin!
Safety Tips for a Kid-Friendly Holi
Even with safe colors, following basic Holi precautions can prevent discomfort and ensure a smooth, happy celebration.
Before Playing Holi
- Oil the Skin & Hair—Apply coconut or almond oil to your child’s skin and hair. This creates a protective layer, making colors easy to wash off.
- Dress in Full Sleeves – Light cotton clothes with full sleeves protect against color stains and reduce skin exposure.
- Use Sunglasses – If your child is prone to eye irritation, sunglasses can protect against color splashes.
During the Celebration
- Encourage Dry Color Play – Water balloons and excessive wet colors can be harsh on the skin and increase the risk of infections.
- Monitor Young Kids – Ensure little ones don’t ingest colors or rub them into their eyes.
- Keep Drinking Water Handy – Hydration helps flush out any accidental ingestion of colors.
After Holi
Use Mild Cleansers – Instead of harsh soaps, use a mild baby soap or a mix of gram flour and milk to remove colors gently.
Moisturise Well – Holi colors, even natural ones, can cause dryness. Apply aloe vera or coconut oil post-wash to keep the skin soft.
Teaching Kids to Play Holi Responsibly
Holi is not just about colors, it’s about spreading joy! Teaching kids the values of respect and responsibility ensures a positive experience for everyone.
- Ask for Consent – Teach kids to always ask before applying colors to someone else. Not everyone likes getting drenched in colors!
- Be Kind to Animals - Stray dogs and cats often suffer from harmful colors. Encourage kids to avoid throwing colors at animals.
- Respect the Environment – Instead of wasting water, encourage dry color play and eco-friendly Holi celebrations.
When kids learn to celebrate mindfully, Holi becomes a festival of joy, respect, and care for others.
Final Thoughts
Holi should be a festival of happiness, not harm. By choosing non-toxic, skin-friendly colors, making DIY natural gulal, and following simple safety precautions, we can ensure that our children enjoy the festival without any worries.
This year, let’s celebrate a safe, colorful, and conscious Holi, where every splash of color is filled with love, laughter, and care for the planet.
Happy and Safe Holi to You and Your Little Ones!
