Gulal powder is a fine, dry colour powder used during Holi and in religious rituals across India. Good gulal is made from a starch base and skin-friendly pigments, which is why it feels soft and washes off easily. Every Holi, someone tears open a packet of gulal, a soft cloud of colour rises, and soon the whole street is pink, yellow and green. But have you ever wondered what is actually inside that packet? A little knowledge about gulal powder helps you choose better and play safer. At Cock Colours , we have been making colours in Hathras since 1951, so this is a subject close to our hearts. Here is everything you want to know, in plain words. What Is Gulal Powder? Gulal powder is the traditional dry colour of Holi. It is light, silky and made to be applied by hand or thrown into the air. You will also see it used as a tilak, offered to deities and spread across temple courtyards during festivals. The word "gulal" is closely linked with the red-pink shades that people asso...
Holi, known as the festival of colours , is one of India’s most cherished festivals. The vibrant hues, joyful gatherings, and lively music that mark this occasion are well-loved across the country. But beyond the fun and colour, there is a deep-rooted tradition that tells a fascinating story about why we celebrate Holi. Let’s explore the story behind Holi, the symbolic meanings associated with it, and how the use of organic Holi colours is bringing the festival back to its natural roots. The Story Behind Holi The legend most closely associated with Holi is the story of Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap, which highlights the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Hiranyakashyap was a powerful king who demanded everyone in his kingdom worship him as a god. However, his son, Prahlad, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, which angered Hiranyakashyap. To punish his son, the king ordered his sister Holika, who had the boon of being immune to fire, to sit in a burning pyre with Prah...