Make your own colourful powder for Holi

Celebrate Holi by making your own colourful powder, also known as gulal.

Step 1

First, pour 250ml water in a bowl, and add 6-8 drops of food colouring. The more food colouring you add, the brighter the powder will be.

Step 2

Mix 320g of cornflour into the coloured water until it becomes thick. Add extra cornflour if needed.

Step 3

Then carefully pour the mixture into a foil tray and leave it in a cool dry place for at least 24 hours.

Step 4

Once the mixture is completely dry, use your fingers to carefully crumble the mixture to become a fine powder. Repeat these steps using different colours of food colouring to create different coloured powders.

And there you have it - your own Holi powder! Make sure to ask permission from an adult before using it indoors. 🌈

Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the start of Spring and celebrates love and new life. Holi is a two-day festival, it is on the second day that people gather to throw brightly coloured powder on each other.

The coloured powder is called gulal. It is believed that this tradition came from Krishna throwing coloured water when he was young. People also give gifts and enjoy special food throughout the festival celebrations.

Learn more about Holi on BBC Bitesize!

Holi gulal powder is the bright, colourful powder thrown during the Hindu spring festival of Holi. It represents joy, love, and the triumph of good over evil.

Traditionally, it’s made from natural, skin‑friendly ingredients like turmeric, cornstarch, and dried flowers.

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