New Delhi: Holi 2026 is fast approaching, and the excitement for this vibrant festival of colours is building up across India. As we prepare to splash gulal and celebrate with loved ones, there’s growing concern over synthetic colours laden with harmful chemicals like lead and mercury, which can cause skin irritation, allergies, and long-term health issues. Imagine the joy of playing Holi without worries—using homemade natural red colour for Holi that’s safe, eco-friendly, and just as vibrant. These DIY organic red Holi colours, made from kitchen staples and flowers, symbolise love and passion while keeping your skin nourished and the environment protected. This blog shares simple ways to craft them at home.

Ready to ditch the chemicals and embrace tradition? Natural red gulal for Holi 2026 not only looks stunning but also washes off easily, leaving no stubborn stains. Whether you’re a parent planning a kid-friendly bash or a wellness enthusiast, these recipes ensure a guilt-free celebration full of laughter and colour.

Easy ways to make natural red colour for Holi 2026

1. Dried rose petals powder

This fragrant, skin-friendly red gulal powder is made from sun-dried vibrant rose petals, ground smooth and blended for a fine texture that spreads beautifully during Holi play without causing irritation.

• Collect fresh red rose petals and spread them out in direct sunlight to dry completely until they become crisp and brittle (takes 2-3 days).


• Once fully dry, place the petals in a blender or grinder and pulse until you get a fine, smooth powder with no lumps.


• Sieve the powder through a fine mesh strainer, then mix 2 parts rose powder with 1 part cornflour or besan for better flow and colour retention.

2. Hibiscus flowers powder

A bold, anti-inflammatory organic red powder crafted from shade-dried hibiscus petals, offering a rich hue that’s safe for skin and perfect for chemical-free Holi splashes on sensitive areas.

• Pluck fresh, deep-red hibiscus petals from flowers, avoiding any green parts, and lay them flat in a shaded, airy spot to dry slowly for 3-4 days.


• Check for complete dryness (petals should crumble easily), then grind them in a mixer to a fine consistency.


• Pass through a sieve for smoothness, and blend 3 parts hibiscus powder with 1 part arrowroot powder to prevent clumping during use.

3. Beetroot powder

Vibrant pinkish-red, ultra skin-safe powder derived from fresh beetroots, versatile for both dry throwing and mixing into wet colour, ensuring easy wash-off without allergies. ​​

• Wash and grate 2-3 medium fresh beetroots finely, then squeeze out the juice using a muslin cloth into a bowl, discarding the pulp.


• Mix the juice gradually with 1 cup cornflour to form a thick, spreadable paste, spreading it thinly on a tray.


• Sun-dry the paste for 2 days until brittle, then grind, sieve for fine powder, and store in an airtight jar.

4. Red Sandalwood powder

Luxurious, skin-nourishing rich red powder from pure red sandalwood, providing a premium, long-lasting colour with natural cooling benefits for post-Holi soothing.

• Source pure red sandalwood powder (chandan) from a trusted herbal store, ensuring it’s authentic and free from additives (about 100g for a batch).


• For dry powder, combine 2 parts sandalwood powder with 1 part rice flour to enhance volume and spreadability.


• For liquid version, soak 2 tablespoons of the mix in half a cup of water overnight, stir well, and strain before use.

5. Pomegranate peels powder

Antioxidant-rich pink-red eco-friendly powder from sun-dried pomegranate peels, gentle on skin, sustainable, and yields a pretty shade full of natural benefits for family Holi fun.

• Collect peels from 4-5 ripe pomegranates, rinse clean, and dry them thoroughly in sunlight for 4-5 days until hard and brittle.


• Break into pieces and grind in a blender to a coarse powder first, then re-grind for fineness.


• Sieve to remove fibres, mix 3 parts peel powder with 1 part talcum powder or cornflour for smooth application, and store dry.

Embrace these simple recipes for a safer, brighter Holi 2026—your skin and planet will thank you. Go natural, play colourful, and celebrate responsibly!