Ranchi, Mar 3: Government-backed self-help groups (SHGs) in Jharkhand’s Simdega district have produced herbal gulal using natural ingredients ahead of Holi, providing livelihood opportunities to rural women while promoting eco-friendly celebrations.
Women associated with the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) in blocks such as Thethaitanger, Kersai and Jaldega are marketing the product under the “Palash” brand.
Officials said the herbal gulal is prepared using natural ingredients such as palash flowers, turmeric, beetroot and spinach. The colours are extracted through traditional methods, after which the material is shade-dried, powdered and sieved to produce the final product. No chemicals are used, making the gulal safe for the skin and environmentally friendly.
The eco-friendly colours are being sold through malls, temporary stalls and retail outlets across several districts of the state.
Simdega Deputy Commissioner Kanchan Singh said the initiative promotes safe celebrations while supporting rural livelihoods.
“Celebrating a safe and environment-friendly Holi is the responsibility of all of us. People should use the herbal gulal made by the self-help groups,” Singh said, adding that promoting local products would strengthen the district’s economy and provide economic support to rural women.
JSLPS CEO Ananya Mittal said hundreds of women have received training in preparing eco-friendly colours and that SHGs from districts including Ranchi, Simdega, Hazaribag, Koderma, Ramgarh, Palamu and Pakur are producing herbal gulal this year.
According to officials, a 100-gram packet of herbal gulal is priced between ₹30 and ₹60, while a 250-gram pack costs between ₹90 and ₹120.
Devanti Devi, a member of the Champa Aajeevika SHG in Simdega, said she is among 10 women producing organic gulal this season with an initial investment of ₹2,500.
“Since joining the SHG, we no longer face difficulty in running our household. We now have employment opportunities throughout the year,” she said.
Another member, Romala Dungdung, said the preparation process requires patience and care.
“The gulal is not dried in direct sunlight as that causes the colour to fade. It is dried in shade for about five days. With proper training, each woman can earn up to ₹10,000 in a season,” she said.
Officials said that under JSLPS, 83,831 rural women in Simdega district are linked through 7,660 self-help groups, and more than ₹20 crore in livelihood credit has been extended to 6,822 groups.
