The Meaning Behind the Many Holi Colours

As February comes to a close, marking the arrival of Spring, we know that the most joyous and colourful festival is just around the corner.

Holi, the festival of colours, is the most vibrant festival celebrated across India and signifies the triumph of good over evil. And in whichever state you visit during this time, you may never experience a dull moment.

Celebrated in the month of Phalguna, people of all ages come together to celebrate Holi with great passion and energy, spreading love, happiness, and most importantly- Holi colours.

Streets turning red, blue, and green; people roaming about with handfuls of gulaal to deck up one another, there’s something special and contagiously happy about Holi celebrations.

The Celebration of Holi

There are several stories and mythologies of significance associated with the celebration of Holi. Of how Holi got its name from the demoness Holika who was skillfully slayed by Lord Vishnu to protect his devotee Prahlad. 

The story of Lord Krishna and Radha celebrating their divine bond of love with Holi colours is one of a kind. Each of these stories adds to the richness of this beautiful festival. 

However, what is rarely discussed is the story behind each of the Holi colours - red, blue, green, yellow and more. 

In this blog, we will take you through the various hues and symbolic meanings associated with the Holi colours and how this celebration draws people together to rejoice in life's simple pleasures. Let's plunge in and learn about the magic of Holi!

What does each of the Holi Colours mean?

If you travel through the many states of India, Holi is celebrated in various ways, each more kaleidoscopic than the others. But the use of Gulaal or the powder Holi colours remains constant.

The making of gulaal has evolved through the years. Traditionally, Holi gulaal was made from natural flowers and herbs, giving bright hues and a fresh floral scent. Although the present market is saturated with synthetic colours, we at Phool are holding on to traditional flower-made gulaal.

Let us tell you, what each of our Holi Colours symbolizes…

Pink Gulaal - The Colour of Love and Passion

One of the most widely used hues at the Holi celebration is pink. This bright hue is often associated with feelings of love, affection, and happiness. It also represents the colour of in-bloom flowers. 

According to mythology, Lord Krishna made Radha accept and love him for who he was by amusingly smearing red or pink gulaal on her face. Radha's beauty, elegance, and the union of the holy couple are symbolised by the colour pink.

Yellow Gulaal - The Colour of Happiness and Beginning

Yellow is chosen for ceremonies and weddings because it is regarded as a divine colour. It also represents the coming of spring, the blossoming season, and the harvest season. In Bengal, children lay yellow gulaal at the feet of God and the elders to begin the Holi celebration. Yellow is a colour associated with joy in life and gratitude for the benefits of good health, contentment, and prosperity.

Blue Gulaal - The Colour of Tranquility and Otherworldliness

In Holi, the colour blue stands for a celebration of the vastness and infinity of nature and an acknowledgement of its abundance and beauty.

The colour blue has come to symbolise calmness and harmony in modern culture. It is also commonly used as a symbol of the fight against pollution, which is a cause close to Phool's heart.

Lord Vishnu, the Hindu pantheon's guardian, is also connected to the colour blue.

Green Gulaal - The Colour of Nature and Spring

Green symbolises the start of spring and celebrates the renewal of life, much like yellow gulaal does. It represents nature and the natural cycle of birth, growth, and rebirth.

Orange Gulaal - The Colour of Courage and Strength

In India, saffron or orange, a dominating colour, stands for vigour and strength. Orange has been associated with strength since it first stood for bravery on the Tiranga and then evolved into the colour of the Gods.

The Swadhishthana Chakra, also known as the sacral chakra, intended to balance our patience and creativity, is represented by the colour orange.

Celebrating Holi Responsibly!

We think you'll love this year's Holi even more now that you know what the various gulaal colours stand for, and we hope you celebrate responsibly.

Holi gulaal was made using fresh flowers and herbs. Today's market, however, is flooded with synthetic Holi colours created with hazardous compounds like lead, mercury, and others. They are terrible for your skin, eyes, and the environment.

Phool is here to help you make a change. Phool Organic Gulaal is made from natural flowers that are safe for you and your loved ones, and also safe for the environment.

Pick your Holi gulaal responsibly. Phool wishes you a safe, eco-friendly and Happy Holi!