It’s that time of the year – Holi is here. In case you’re wondering what Holi is, it’s a Hindu festival of colors and love, celebrated annually in India and other parts of South Asia. Holi is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Known as the “festival of spring” and the “festival of love,” it is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March.
One of the most notable parts of Holi is the “Holika Dahan”, where people gather around bonfires, sing prayers, and offer food and sweets to the fire as a symbol of purification and renewal. The next day, also known as “Dhuli Vandan”, is when the streets come alive with colors as people throw colored powders at each other, drenching each other in vibrant hues.
Of course, it’s important to celebrate Holi in a responsible and eco-friendly way. Chemicals from the colors can be harmful to both the environment and your own health. We love using natural colors made from flowers, herbs and spices as an alternative. To make your own colors – see below.
Pink
- Beet Juice – 2 cups
- Cornstarch – 3cups
- Water – 1cup
- Rose water – 2tbsp
Yellow
- Water – 1½ cups
- Turmeric – 2 tbsp
- Cornstarch – 3cups
Green
- 365 Everyday Value Green Food Color (plant based) or Liquid Chlorophyll - 2tbsp
- Water – 1½ cups
- Cornstarch – 3cups
Blue
- 365 Everyday Value Blue Food Color (plant based) or Liquid Spirulina – 2tbsp
- Water – ¾ cup
- Cornstarch/Talcum Powder – 3 cups
For each of the colors, mix until the color is even, then spread on a tray to dry. Once dry, pass through a fine strainer and voila – there you have it. Remember to snap a pic in your Wolvens with your Holi powder – we can’t wait to see it.
