- G.S. Kesharwani, Deputy Director
The festival of Holi brings the joy of colors and a message of happiness. This time, the Bihan Didis of Chhattisgarh are not only making Holi safe with natural colors, but are also adding new colors of happiness to their lives.
Women associated with the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) are becoming self-reliant and preparing herbal gulal through self-help groups. These colors, made from natural flowers and vegetables, are completely safe and eco-friendly. Rose water and natural perfumes are used for fragrance, which makes the colors smell pleasant.
A group of surrendered Maoists in Kanker district has also begun producing herbal gulal (gulaal) as part of the rehabilitation policy. Members like Manki Netam, Samko Nuruti, and Dali Salam are enthusiastically preparing gulal at the rehabilitation camp. They say this work is giving them both self-respect and a sustainable livelihood. This is a commendable initiative to reconnect youth who have strayed from the government’s rehabilitation policy with the mainstream.
Self-help groups are producing herbal gulal in several districts of the state, including Raipur, Kabirdham, Gariaband, Janjgir-Champa, Narayanpur, and Kanker. Many groups are making fragrant gulal by collecting flowers offered in temples. Women in tribal areas like Abujhmad have made it their identity. Under the Bihan Yojana, women are selling products by setting up stalls in Saras Mela and regional fairs. This is giving them direct benefits of 40 to 60 thousand rupees. Many women are setting a new example of self-reliance by becoming ‘Lakhpati Didi’.
Herbal gulal has numerous benefits. It is safe for the skin and eyes, and does not cause allergies or irritation. It is biodegradable and does not harm the environment. Turmeric has antibacterial properties, and Palaash has blood-purifying properties, making it even more useful. Its market price ranges from 80 to 250 rupees per kilogram, making it affordable for the general public.
It is noteworthy that the Chhattisgarh government is celebrating the year 2026 as the Year of Women’s Pride. Through the efforts of the state government, 500,000 women have become Lakhpati Didis. Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, which aims to provide economic support to women, more than 69 lakh women are receiving a monthly grant of 1,000 rupees each. A new scheme for exposure visits for Lakhpati Didis has also been introduced in the current budget. This effort to empower women will play a significant role in fulfilling the resolve for a developed Chhattisgarh.