Holi to Be More Colourful with Herbal Gulal

Women’s groups produce herbal gulal in vibrant colours and attractive packaging

Raipur, February 2026 : Women Self-Help Groups associated with the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (BIHAN) in Kabirdham district are steadily moving forward on the path of women’s empowerment. Members of the Jai Ganga Maiya Self-Help Group from Raja Navagaon village under Bodla Janpad Panchayat have taken up the production of herbal gulal for the festival of colours, Holi.

By engaging in the herbal gulal business, the women’s group has opened new avenues of livelihood. Ten women are directly involved in this activity, which has emerged as a strong source of income for them. Herbal gulal prepared in red, pink, yellow, and other colours, enriched with natural fragrance, is now available in the market. The products stand out not only for their variety of colours but also for their attractive packaging.

Kabirdham Collector Shri Gopal Verma said that every year, on the occasion of Holi, various women’s groups in the district manufacture herbal gulal. Stalls are set up at the Collectorate, all Janpad Panchayat offices, and other locations to sell these products. The gulal prepared by the women’s groups is completely natural and is more affordable compared to other colours available in the market. Its attractive packaging also makes it an excellent gifting option. Herbal gulal is available in multiple colours and different quantities with appealing packaging. He added that last year as well, herbal gulal produced by women’s groups was highly appreciated by local residents, and through this activity, rural women are steadily becoming self-reliant.

The District Panchayat CEO informed that every year many groups take up herbal gulal production, with each group earning a profit of around ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 from this seasonal business. The good quality and attractive packaging of the herbal gulal are widely appreciated. Field-level staff associated with the scheme motivate and encourage groups to take up seasonal enterprises like herbal gulal production, while also providing support to ensure the availability of raw materials required for manufacturing.

Benefits of Herbal Gulal

Herbal gulal is made from natural materials such as flowers and leaves, making it completely safe for the skin. It contains natural colours with no adulteration and is environmentally friendly. Unlike chemical colours, herbal gulal can be easily washed off with water, helping conserve water as well. Free from harmful chemicals, it does not cause skin allergies and is safe for the body. The natural fragrance of herbal gulal comes without the use of chemicals, making it entirely safe and pleasant to use.

This initiative not only adds more colour and joy to Holi but also reflects a strong step towards self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods for rural women.