Tribal women in Koraput produce eco-friendly Holi colours

Koraput: A group of tribal women in Koraput district is offering a natural and safer alternative made from ingredients grown in their own kitchen gardens.In Dumuriput village under Koraput block, members of the Tulsi women’s self-help group (SHG) are producing eco-friendly colours using vegetables and flowers.

Instead of chemical dyes, they rely on carrots, beetroot, spinach and vibrant yellow blossoms to create chemical-free powders for the festival of colours.Though the process is simple, it is labour-intensive. Fresh produce sourced from local gardens is crushed to extract natural juices, which are then blended with rice powder and maida to produce richly hued mixtures. The mixture is spread out under the sun to dry, helping preserve its brightness and texture without artificial additives.

“We ensure the ingredients are mixed properly and then dry the powder outside so that its natural quality remains intact,” said Sipra Raut, president of the SHG.The initiative began nearly two years ago when two members received specialised training in Bhubaneswar under the Odisha Livelihoods Mission. What started as a skill development effort evolved into a sustainable micro-enterprise rooted in environmental awareness and community welfare.

Unlike many seasonal businesses focused on profit, the Tulsi SHG says its primary motivation is public well-being. “We have not focused on profit or loss. Our happiness lies in giving people safe colours to celebrate Holi,” Raut said.With demand steadily increasing, the ORMAS extended marketing support, enabling the group to access urban markets across Koraput district. This season, the women have prepared nearly one quintal of natural colours and are ready to scale up production if orders increase. Jasmin Benya, one of the trained members, said, “People now understand that chemically treated powders can harm the skin.

They prefer natural colours.”Koraput collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan said, “To boost sales, a temporary outlet has been opened in front of the zilla parishad office in Koraput town. The initiative aims to enhance the livelihood of rural women by generating sustainable income opportunities.”Uma Mahesh, joint CEO of ORMAS, Koraput, said besides the Tulsi SHG, women’s groups from Kotpad and Pottangi blocks are also involved in production and marketing. “This effort not only empowers women economically but also encourages the community to celebrate a safer and greener Holi,” he added.