In the heart of Hyderabad’s Old City, Begum Bazaar wears a vibrant look on Choti Holi. On Thursday afternoon, the narrow lanes were lined up with towering stacks of gulaal in shades of pink, yellow, and green, alongside rows of cans filled with liquid colours.
Traders and customers from across the State, including Zaheerabad and Mahabubnagar, flock to this bustling market to stock up on colours. This year, the festive rush is even more pronounced as the preparations for Holi blend with the spirit of Ramzan.
When asked which colour sells the most, a shopkeeper lifted his hands, stained in shades of dark pink and violet — the tell-tale signs of the popular pakka rang or permanent colours.
Despite repeated warnings about the harmful effects of synthetic colours, the demand for them remains high.
Amar Lambe, who has been running a wholesale business for the last 20 years, said that he had sold over a quintal of colours in less than a month. “People from all over Telangana come here to buy in bulk and resell in their towns,” he said, pinching some of the bright pink colour, adding, “This type is soft, unscented, and comes in a variety of options. It is used in temples and during Holi.”
Abhishek Rathod from Solapur, who travelled over 300 km to Hyderabad, has been a familiar face in Begum Bazaar for the last 15 years. In just five days, he sold over 50 kgs of gulaal and 30 kgs of permanent water colour.
“I come here every year, and the demand for synthetic colours keeps growing,” he said, while swiftly grabbing transparent packets of colours and placing them into a polythene bag for a customer. With most of his stock sold, Abhishek is preparing to return to Solapur to continue the sales.
Demand for organic colours
Not all traders are focused on synthetic products though. Ajith, who runs a novelty store, said that organic colours have gained popularity despite their higher price. “Organic colours cost between ₹180-₹300 per kg, while synthetic ones are about ₹60 per kg. But more people are choosing organic colours for safety reasons,” he said. “We keep a mix of regular, permanent, and organic colours to cater to different preferences.”
Ganesh Singh, a veteran trader with 25 years of experience, believes that the real difference lies in branding. “Bigger shops sell colours in branded packets at higher prices, but the same product in a transparent bag at a smaller stall cost much less,” he said. Singh, who started the business at the age of 15, believes that price, not quality, ultimately drives customer choices.
Post festival blues
Dr. Deepika Sanbal, a dermatologist with Kamineni Hospital, says she sees a surge in patients after Holi, complaining of skin irritation, rashes, and other issues triggered by synthetic colours.
She explained that many Holi colours contain harmful chemicals that can trigger various skin problems. Lead oxide, commonly used in red and orange colours, can cause rashes, irritation, and long-term toxicity. Mercury sulfide, found in red colours, often leads to allergic reactions, redness, and itching. Chromium compounds in green colours can cause contact dermatitis, skin peeling, and inflammation, while prussian blue, used in blue colours, frequently cause itchiness and mild irritation.
Malachite green and auramine, present in green and yellow shades, are known to cause burning sensation and persistent allergies. Meanwhile, the popular shiny gulaal often contains mica and glass powder, which can create micro-abrasions on the skin, causing further discomfort and irritation, said the doctor.
Dos
Dr. Sanbal recommends applying coconut oil or a moisturiser along with sunscreen to create a protective barrier on the skin before stepping out to play Holi. She also advises against scrubbing the skin or using hot water to remove colour as it can worsen rashes or cause irritation.
Published – March 13, 2025 07:39 pm IST
