They are back, this time with more manpower, more gusto and lots more colour. Ahead of Holi, Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre (DMC), in Assagao, has re-introduced natural organic and non-toxic Holi colours.
Made from flowers, seeds and herbs by the Community Outreach project, it is both – an eco-friendly initiative and an entrepreneurial venture. The initiative, which began as a pilot project in 2021, produced just a few kilograms of natural organic colour back then.
This year, riding on the demand, and, in collaboration with women’s self-help groups and certified by the Pollution Control Board, the initiative has expanded to produce nearly three tons of organic colours – blue, green, yellow and orange – for Holi 2025.
The principal of the college, Prof D B Arolkar, highlighted the dangers of commercially-available toxic colours containing heavy metals like mercury, copper and cadmium, as well as harmful adulterants that can cause long-term health issues and environmental damage.
Made from flowers, seeds and herbs by the Community Outreach project, it is both – an eco-friendly initiative and an entrepreneurial venture.
“We wanted to take our green focus beyond the campus and also aim to promote sustainability while providing livelihood opportunities for members of the self-help groups across Goa,” he said.
The eco-friendly colours are made from natural materials like turmeric, bixa seeds, beetroot and indigo leaves.
“Many organic Holi colour-makers source ingredients from local farms or organic suppliers, who focus on sustainable and chemical-free cultivation," shared Grahita Gurav, from Assagao, who is a member of the self-help group.
"Some ingredients, like flowers and herbs, may come from community gardens or organic farming cooperatives,” she added.
She added, “This initiative has given me a platform to build and run my own business. It has helped me gain confidence, and at the same time, I’m also promoting sustainability."
"When people see that I’m working towards promoting a cause that will benefit our health and the environment, I get a lot of respect from others,” she added with a smile.
'The Natural Holi Colours' were officially launched by Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in 2021, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable and community-driven celebration of the festival.
While Grahita was busy packing the colours, Jayashree Parab, another member of the self-help group mentioned, “Projects like these also inspire other women to consider entrepreneurship in the eco-friendly space, showing that sustainable businesses can be profitable and impactful.”
Commercially-available toxic colours containing heavy metals like mercury, copper and cadmium, as well as harmful adulterants that can cause long-term health issues and environmental damage.
As she packed the boxes, she shared her love for Holi stating that these colours would not harm the skin. “I have always loved the vibrancy of Holi, but I noticed the harmful impact that synthetic colours had on health and the environment."
"This motivated me to create a more sustainable, safe and eco-friendly alternative that would allow people to enjoy the festive spirit without the side effects,” she revealed.
We wanted to take our green focus beyond the campus and also aim to promote sustainability, while providing livelihood opportunities for members of self-help groups across Goa.
Prof D B Arolkar, DM College and Research Centre (DMC), Assagao
Besides Grahita and Jayashree, Swati Naik and Savita Gaonkar have also prepared colours which are available in quantities of 100 gm to 5 kg.
The Parents Teachers Association (PTA), the Alumni Association, Goa State Biodiversity Board's GoVan project and Goa State Pollution Control Board, Lions Club of Mapusa, DMC trained the women’s self-help groups to produce these natural colours.
For more information, or if you want to pick up some natural colours for your Holi celebrations this year, check out the contact details below.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Organic Holi colours (blue, green, orange and yellow)
BUY IT HERE: Kunj Stores, Mapusa
PRICING: Rs 70 (100 gm), Rs 550 (1 kg), Rs 250 (Gift pack of four colours of 100 gm each), Rs 500 (for bulk orders above 5 kg)
CONTACT: +91 9284876539, +91 7038245519, +919545349575, +91 9579293119