An amazing ending to holi this year where we made the most of this beautiful festival with various activities.
We made our own holi colours this year because I have never allowed my kids to play holi with colours until this year. Anyone that knows me knows I hate chemicals when it comes to my children. The colours we made were natural and not harmful which meant it was okay around the dogs too! Although the dogs decided not to get involved and went into hiding!
So how did we create the colours?
Materials:
- Corn Flour
- Water
- Food Colouring (I used the colour splash gels)
- Disposable gloves
- Disposable Aluminum Trays
Method:
Place about 250g of corn flour in the tray.
Mix 1 cup of water with a good few drops of the food colour of your choice.
Pour the coloured water into the tray with the corn four and mix thoroughly.
Repeat the above with the other colours that you want to create.
Leave them to dry for a few days. At this stage you could place in the oven for about 30 minutes to fully dry the mixture to avoid step 7 below.
Once dry put the dry mixture into the food processor and process so it turns into a powder consistency.
Put back in the tray and leave to dry for a few more days.
Store in an airtight container.
Enjoy
We used the colours in our back garden and can you believe it didn't stain our clothes or skin.
I have come across various other ways to create certain colours using natural products which I will share below :
1. Red
Red signifies both sensuality and purity. In India, red colour has the utmost significance and it is the most preferred colour for marriages and birth of child. All married women wear a red tilak on the forehead during ceremonies and festivals.
How to make Dry Red colour Holi Powder at home?
The red colour powder can be made in the following ways
1. Dry the petals of Red Rose in sun and after they become crisp, they can be powdered in a mixer and a little flour can be added to increase the volume.
2. Now this is a little costly venture, but nonetheless can be used for children as it is perfectly safe and even healthy for the skin. Use Red Sandal Wood Powder or Raktachandan as a red holi colour powder.
3. Red Hibiscus flower can be dried in shade and blended to a powder consistency.
How to make Wet Red colour Holi Powder (liquid) at Home?
1. Mix the sandalwood powder in water to get a uniform solution.
2. Mix a teaspoon of limestome powder or chuna or sunnambu in a cup of water with a teaspoon of turmeric and dilute it with water as required.
2. Orange
Saffron represents Fire and as impurities are destroyed by fire, it also symbolizes purity.
How to make Dry Saffron or Orange colour Holi powder at Home?
The Tesu Flower or the Flame of Forest can be dried and powdered and mixed with flour for more volume.
How to make Wet Saffron or Orange colour Holi Powder (Liquid) at Home?
1. The Tesu flowers can be either soaked in water or boiled overnight for a yellow orange colour water.
2. Henna can be mixed with water to yield a orange colour water, if you are using it for kids, make sure you get a good quality Henna powder.
3. A few strands of Kesar or Saffron can be soaked in water overnight and can be diluted with water.
3. Green
Green is a festive colour and signifies life and happiness.
How to make Dry Green Colour Holi Powder at Home?
Mix equal quantity of good quality henna powder with flour to form a green colour home made holi powder. Make sure it is pure henna powder with no additional ingredients.
How to make Wet Green Colour Holi Powder (Liquid) at Home?
Pluck fresh neem leaves and boil them in water. Allow the mixture to cool, remove the superficial water and dilute as needed.
4. Yellow
Yellow signifies Knowledge and Learning. Yellow symbolizes happiness, peace and meditation.
How to make Dry Yellow Colour Holi Powder at Home?
This is the easiest of all the recipes, just mix 2 parts good quality turmeric powder with 4 parts of Besan flour.
How to make Wet Yellow Colour Holi Powder (Liquid) at Home?
Mix turmeric in water or boil chrysanthemum or marigold flowers in water.
5. Blue
Blue symbolizes bravery and determination. The Hindu Gods Lord Rama and Krishna are blue coloured as they fought against evil.
How to make Dry Blue colour Holi powder at home?
The Neeli Gulmohar which blooms in summer has a bright coloured flower which can be dried and powdered.
6. Purple
How to make wet purple colour homemade holi powder (liquid) ?
Chop 1 to 2 kg of Beetroot and boil them in a cooker with water. Leave 5 to 6 whistles. After it cools, remove the water and dilute it as required. Please Note – Either use fresh colour or preserve it in fridge if using later.
7. Brown
Brown colour can be substituted for black, as many consider black inauspicious.
How to make Brown colour holi powder at home?
Mix 1 part of Henna powder with 4 parts of Amla powder for Brown colour or dissolve them in water for a brown colour water.
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