Koraput, Odisha: In a remarkable example of sustainable entrepreneurship, a women-led Self-Help Group (SHG) in Koraput district is producing natural, chemical-free Holi colours using vegetables and flowers.
Members of the Tulsi Women Self-Help Group from Dumuriput village are preparing eco-friendly colours by processing locally sourced carrots, beetroot, spinach, and bright yellow flowers. Instead of using synthetic chemicals, the group extracts natural juices from these ingredients and blends them with rice powder and maida to create vibrant coloured powders.
After thorough mixing, the powders are sun-dried to preserve their brightness and texture. The initiative ensures that the colours remain safe for skin and environmentally friendly.
The women underwent specialised training under the Odisha Livelihoods Mission to learn the technique and develop it into a sustainable livelihood activity. Since then, the SHG has been producing natural Holi colours with a focus on community well-being rather than profit alone.
Group members said their goal is to offer a safer alternative to chemically treated colours widely available in the market. Encouraged by the quality and increasing demand for their products, the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has extended marketing support to help expand sales across Koraput district. Plans are also underway to widen distribution beyond the district if demand continues to grow.
To promote the initiative, ORMAS recently inaugurated a dedicated special sales counter in Koraput town, providing the women entrepreneurs with a broader platform for their eco-friendly venture.
The initiative not only promotes sustainable celebrations during Holi but also strengthens rural livelihoods by empowering women through skill development and market access.
