Make your own colourful powder for Holi

You will need

  • 320g cornflour/corn starch
  • 250ml water
  • Food colouring
  • Foil trays
  • A bowl

What is Holi?

Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the start of Spring and celebrates love and new life. Holi is a two-day festival, it is on the second day that people gather to throw brightly coloured powder on each other.

The coloured powder is called gulal. It is believed that this tradition came from Krishna throwing coloured water when he was young. People also give gifts and enjoy special food throughout the festival celebrations. 

How to make the powder (gulal)

Step 1

First, pour 250ml water in a bowl, and add 6-8 drops of food colouring. The more food colouring you add, the brighter the powder will be.

Step 2

Mix 320g of cornflour into the coloured water until it becomes thick. Add extra cornflour if needed.

Step 3

Then carefully pour the mixture into a foil tray and leave it in a cool dry place for at least 24 hours.

Step 4

Once the mixture is completely dry, use your fingers to carefully crumble the mixture to become a fine powder. Repeat these steps using different colours of food colouring to create different coloured powders.

And there you have it - your own Holi powder! Make sure to ask permission from an adult before using it indoors. 🌈

More ways to celebrate Holi 2024 on CBBC

See how much you know about Holi by playing this fun quiz.

If one quiz isn't enough, why not test your knowledge even more with CBBC's 5 Things quiz.

Head to BBC Bitesize to find out more about Holi.

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All Blue Peter
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