Suryakant Gaonkar from Bhuipal is making Holi safer by producing affordable, eco-friendly colours from natural ingredients
RAMANDEEP KAUR NT BUZZ
Holi’s vibrant colours may last only a day but for Suryakant Gaonkar, the process of creating them begins months in advance at his home in Sattari.
Gaonkar, a wildflower researcher and author of two books on the subject, is a member of Vivekanand Pariyavaran Jagruti Fauj, which he helped establish with guidance from Rajendra Kerkar. In 2020, he received the Goa State Biodiversity Award for his work in conservation, documentation and environmental education. He is also skilled in stone and wood carving.
Since 2012, Gaonkar, from Bhuipal village, has been preparing organic Holi colours under his brand ‘Sanjivani’, using plant-based ingredients to promote safer, eco-friendly celebrations in Goa. He keeps the colours affordable so more people can enjoy a natural and chemical-free Holi.
The idea of making natural colours came from his mentor, Kerkar, after he warned that many synthetic Holi colours can be unsafe, especially for children. “He suggested I use my knowledge of plants to create a safer alternative,” recalls Gaonkar. He then learned the process from Sachin Madge, a researcher in history, who taught him to make colours using natural ingredients and flours.
Today, corn flour forms the base for colours, which are mixed with spinach, indigo, turmeric, and annatto seeds to create green, blue, yellow, and orange respectively. “When using flowers, the colours fade within eight days, so I’ve stopped using flowers and have focused on ingredients that last longer,” he explains, adding that for the past four to five years, he has been producing around 1,500 kg of natural colours annually. “Raw material collection begins in November, followed by preparation in December.”
He supplies colours across Goa, including Margao, Canacona, Mapusa and Pernem. “Most orders come from schools and colleges, with a few from shops. Yellow and orange are the most popular.” He also provides natural colours for wedding haldi ceremonies, as many prefer yellow that does not
leave stains.
