JOIN USIt’s time to get drenched in colours and what better way than using natural hues to keep the green spirits soaring? Most people either choose not to play Holi so that they don’t promote artificial colours or prefer using organic colours that are available online and at select stores across the City.
‘Holi’ revellers, swearing by organic colours, say that there are some bright colours such as fluorescent pink and green that they don’t get in organic category but that doesn’t deter them in any way. Sharmistha Sikdar, a home-maker, says “‘Holi’ is a festival of colours and I always prefer using herbal and eco-friendly colours because I don’t intend to get my skin and hair damaged after playing with them. I feel it is always better to be safe than sorry.” She also takes a few precautions that will help protect the skin, hair and eyes. “I apply moisturiser on my face and body and apply olive oil to protect my hair from the colours. Keeping the skin hydrated and moisturised prevents the colours from setting deep in the pores,” she adds.
Most parents consciously refrain from using artificial colours to send out a message to their children about the dangers of using artificial colours.
Namrata H, a parent of an 8-year-old, says that she used to play with all kinds of colours before her daughter was born but after that she has stopped using these artificial colours, mainly for health reasons.
“I usually buy these colours from a few upmarket stores. I’ve also tried making some of colours at home because then I will know the contents. We usually mix turmeric and ‘neem’ for colours that are made at home. These are dry but if we add water they turn bright yellow and deep green,” she explains. However, she says, when using organic colours, one usually misses out on the bright colours. “But we are safe and are using contents that are natural and won’t leave any damage,” she avers.
The markets are flushed in red, yellow and blue colours — all organic and natural. The best part about organic colours is that they are biodegradable. Besides buying organic colours online, people also procure them from select shops in Gandhi Bazaar, Shivajinagar, K R Market and Chickpet.
The organic colours are a little more expensive than the normal ones but most people think it is worth spending more for something better. Aditi Sarkar, a resident of Sadashivanagar, and student of Mount Carmel College, is all set to celebrate ‘Holi’ but the organic way.
“Most organic colours are made from arrowroot powder, turmeric, beetroot and ‘mehendi’ leaves. If there is anything artificial that is added, you can easily find it out because it has a pungent smell,” says Aditi.
She says she began using organic colours because it doesn’t harm animals. “Artificial colours harm the skin and eyes of not just us but animals as well. I have a pet at home and this is also one of the reasons why I decided to switch to organic colours,” she adds.
Waseem M, a professional, also decided to use organic colours, almost 15 years ago after colour entered his eyes and created problems. “I had severe pain in my eyes and the swelling lasted almost 10 days. My wife has stopped playing ‘Holi’ and I buy only organic colours for our children just to keep the festive spirit alive,” says Waseem.
He concedes that it is expensive but doesn’t mind spending a bit more to get quality products that are harmless.