As Holi 2026 approaches, excitement is building across India for the festival of colors. In Bhagalpur, women are revolutionizing the celebration by crafting chemical-free herbal gulal from fresh vegetables and flowers. This innovative gulal, infused with aromatherapy benefits, promises not just vibrant hues but also health and wellness.
Groups of women, organized under self-help initiatives, are busy grinding beets for deep reds, spinach for lush greens, and petals like rose, lavender, sandalwood, and screwpine for soothing fragrances. The result is a gulal that calms the mind, reduces stress, and is gentle on the skin—perfect for playing Holi without worries of infections or allergies.
Priya Soni, founder of the Ma Anandi initiative, explains that this gulal embodies the ‘waste to wealth’ philosophy. Temple flowers, often discarded, are recycled into these natural powders. ‘It’s safe enough to eat—make halwa out of it!’ she adds, highlighting its edible quality.
Hundreds of women from across the district are involved, turning this into a movement for empowerment and sustainability. Demand is soaring as families seek eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic colors. This Holi, tradition meets modernity, ensuring a safer, greener festival that benefits both people and the planet.
The gulal’s natural aroma provides an aromatherapy experience, leaving players refreshed and relaxed. For children and elders, whose skin is more sensitive, this is a game-changer. Beyond the festivities, it’s creating livelihoods, fostering self-reliance among rural women.