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To avoid harmful effects of adulterated ‘gulal’, choose organic colours with a soft texture, mild scent, and organic certification
Opt for organic colours, made from natural ingredients like flower petals, leaves, beetroot, spinach, turmeric and sandalwood, that are gentle on the skin. (News18)
Holi 2025: The vibrant festival of colours, will be celebrated across the country on March 14. The air is filled with joy and the playful throwing of colourful gulal.
However, due to the harmful effects on both skin and the environment caused by adulterated gulals, many people shy away from celebrating Holi. With the rise in synthetic gulal, one safe way to enjoy this colourful festival is opting for organic colours, made from natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin. But how can you tell if the gulal you’re buying is genuinely organic?
Identifying Genuine Organic ‘Gulal’
Authentic organic gulal is free from chemicals and glass. It is crafted using natural ingredients such as flower petals, leaves, beetroot, spinach, turmeric, vermilion, sandalwood, flour, coriander powder, and gram flour. These herbal gulals can even be easily made at home.
Texture And Appearance
One of the easiest ways to identify genuine organic gulal is by its texture. Herbal powder colours are incredibly soft and finely textured due to their plant-based origins. In contrast, adulterated powder colours tend to feel slightly rough.
Additionally, the colours of organic gulal are typically more subdued and less vibrant than their synthetic counterparts.
Price And Fragrance
Organic gulal is often pricier than synthetic ones. This is because natural ingredients are generally more expensive to source and process.
Furthermore, the fragrance can be a tell-tale sign. While synthetic gulal often has a strong, artificial fragrance due to added chemicals and perfumes, organic gulal has a mild, natural scent, which might be almost undetectable in some cases.
Patch Test Is Crucial
Although natural gulal is generally safe for the skin, it is always advisable to perform a patch test before applying it liberally. Apply a small amount of gulal behind your ear or on your wrist and leave it for 30 minutes.
If you experience any itching, irritation, redness, or discomfort, it’s best to avoid using that particular gulal.
Smart Shopping Tips
- When purchasing gulal labelled as organic, carefully examine the ingredient list to ensure that it is free from any synthetic additives.
- Opt for reputable brands, particularly those specialising in Ayurvedic products, as they are more likely to offer genuine organic gulal.
- Most natural gulal will carry an organic certification. Look for this on the packaging or seal; if it’s missing, it’s best to avoid purchasing the product.
- Always request a bill from the shopkeeper as proof of purchase.
- Steer clear of gulal sold openly and labelled as natural, as it is highly likely to contain synthetic dyes and chemicals.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and colourful Holi celebration with genuine organic gulal.
