If Holi colours aren’t safe for pets, they are not safe for you either; 7 safer ways to celebrate

Every Holi, streets burst into colour — but behind the bright pinks and neon greens of your ‘synthetic gulal’, lies a less festive reality. Several laboratory analyses over the years have found that many commercial Holi powders contain industrial dyes, heavy metals like lead and chromium, powdered glass, and alkaline substances meant for textile or paint industries, and not human skin.

Not safe for pets and not safe for you

If these colours can irritate your skin, imagine their impact on animals. Community dogs and pets have far more sensitive skin and a habit of licking themselves clean. When colours are smeared on them, they ingest toxic particles that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, eye ulcers, respiratory distress, and chemical burns.

7 Safer Ways to Celebrate

1. Know what’s inside your gulal

Many synthetic Holi colours have been found to contain industrial dyes, heavy metals like lead and chromium, powdered glass, and harsh alkaline substances meant for textile and paint industries — not for human skin.

2. Avoid applying colours on pets & community dogs

Animals have far more sensitive skin and tend to lick themselves clean. When colours are smeared on them, they can ingest toxic particles that may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, eye ulcers, breathing distress, and even chemical burns.

3. Protect your own skin

Synthetic colours can trigger rashes, contact dermatitis, allergies, and severe itching — especially in children and people with sensitive skin.

4. Be careful with eyes & lungs

Fine colour powders can irritate the eyes and cause respiratory problems, particularly in people with asthma or sinus issues.

5. Choose flower-based colours

Powdered dried marigold or rose petals create natural yellow and pink shades that are biodegradable and gentle.

6. Use kitchen ingredients for natural hues

Turmeric mixed with gram flour gives a safe yellow; beetroot powder offers a vibrant red; henna provides soft green tones.

7. Celebrate without harm

Spinach or dried neem leaves can be powdered for green shades. Plant-based colours are eco-friendly, safer for skin, and far kinder to animals.

This Holi, let the festival be joyful, not harmful. If it’s not safe for your pets and indie dogs, it’s probably not safe for you either.