“Although Holi festival is considered one of the most enjoyable time in Mumbai, Celebrating with its vibrant water and Safe color play in Eco Friendly way, it is essential to prioritize safety by opting for eco-friendly, homemade, and organic colors.
The true essence of this festive occasion lies in resolving past conflicts and misunderstandings among friends and relatives, symbolized by the exchange of colors, water, and the use of pitchkaris.”
How Mumbai Celebrates Safe Holi
The Maharashtrian community, also known as Marathi’s, celebrates Holi in a grand manner. The festivities commence a week before the actual Holi day, known as Rang Panchmi Day. While the tradition of burning small trees, symbolizing ‘HOLIKA’, has diminished over the years, some remote villages in the suburbs still continue this practice.
On the day preceding the colorful playing day, the residents of Mumbai gather in groups to purchase tall and majestic trees, which will be burned at night, reminiscent of the mythological story of the goddess ‘HOLIKA’.
Married women observe a fast on this day, concluding it with prayers and other rituals performed around the tree, either before it is set ablaze or while it is already burning. Meanwhile, the younger generation indulges in revelry, fueled by alcohol, dancing energetically around the bonfire.
Children have their own share of amusement, as they buy colors and balloons from local shops and joyfully splash colored water on passersby using pitchkari’s. These festivities continue late into the night and early morning, as the following day, Rang Panchmi, is a holiday for everyone, allowing for a day filled with merriment and celebration.
However, When it comes to fun and celebrations, it is crucial to avoid using hazardous oil paints, plastic and rubber balloons, and synthetic colors, as they can have detrimental effects on relationships. To ensure a memorable and safe Holi celebration in Mumbai, it is advisable to follow the guidelines below, promoting a peaceful and eco-friendly environment while safeguarding against skin allergies, eye damage, and exposure to toxins
How To Play Holi Safely in Eco Friendly Way
Did you know that you can create organic and natural Holi colors at home that are not only safe for you and your children, but also eco-friendly? It is important to teach our children from an early age about the benefits of using safer and more sustainable alternatives when they engage in playful festivities like Holi with their neighbors in Mumbai.
Last year, some young girls, teenagers, and adults opted to use talcum powder and face creams instead of synthetic gulal, oil paints, and varnish. This decision was made to protect their skin from potential damage caused by these chemical-laden products, which often strip away the natural beauty that they had taken great care to maintain, even after spending a significant amount of money at beauty parlors.
To make things easier for you, there is a brand called ‘RANG DULAAR’ that offers safe and organic gulal in the markets of Mumbai at affordable prices. These colors are made using natural dyes and rice flour, sourced from Vanstree, a special farm in Karnataka run by women farmers associated with an NGO.
You can find these safe colors at leading stores in Mumbai such as Sahakari Bhandar, Namdharis, Bombay Stores, and Twenty Four Letter Mantra. Additionally, you can also purchase organic pichkaris (water guns) and water balloons to complete your eco-friendly Holi celebration.
The approximate cost of organic colors is Rs.100/- per kilogram, while the best and most natural option, herbal colors, are priced at Rs.500/-. By opting for these organic and herbal alternatives, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable Holi experience for yourself and your loved ones.
Making Homemade Colors and Celebrating While Keeping Mumbai Clean
Every Gulli and Market in Mumbai offers a wide range of ready-made colors, including both organic and chemical options. Embrace and commemorate this vibrant festival of colors and joy while prioritizing our safety and maintaining the cleanliness of our city.
Making Water Colors
Orange : Take Hot Water and Add 500 gm of Tesu Flowers.
Blue : Soak grated beetroot and black carrot in hot water for a few hours..
Pink : On the eve of the Holi festival, specifically Rang Panchmi, steep 500 grams of rose petals in hot water.
Making Dry Colors
Pink : Create a blend by combining Sindoor (Vermilion) with Maida.
Yellow : Utilize Besan in conjunction with Turmeric Powder.
Green : Maida can be effectively utilized in conjunction with Henna Powder.
Making Oil Colors
Red : Use mixture of Coconut Oil With Sindoor (Vermilion).
Yellow : Coconut Oil with Turmeric Powder.
Dos and Don’t While Celebrating Holi
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Holi celebration, it is important to take certain precautions. Firstly, protect your eyes and skin by avoiding contact lenses and applying lotions, sun screen, and coconut oil to exposed areas such as the face, hands, and neck.
It is also recommended to wear full sleeved cotton clothes in white to minimize exposure to synthetic colors. Secondly, avoid playing with balloons as they can cause serious eye injuries, including perforations of the eyeball.
Instead, use sunglasses to protect your eyes from water jets and dangerous colors. If color enters your eyes, wash it out immediately with clean water and avoid rubbing it. Additionally, stay away from dangerous playing, drunk groups, and mobs.
Finally, promote the use of safe organic and herbal colors, as well as homemade colors, to ensure a healthy and eco-friendly celebration.
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