Holi Celebration 2025: 10 Fun Ways To Use Gulal Beyond Just Splashing It

When you think of gulal, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the joyous chaos of Holi, with splashes of red, pink, yellow, and green staining the air and everyone's clothes. It's a time of celebration, laughter, and unrestrained fun. But what happens after the festivities die down and the gulal sits forgotten in boxes, tucked away until next year's celebration?

Well, it turns out that gulal, the vibrant powder that fills the streets with colour, can be used in all sorts of creative and practical ways. This article aims to show you 10 brilliant ideas for putting your leftover gulal to good use, whether you're an artist, a DIY enthusiast, or someone looking for a fun and eco-friendly project to dive into. Think of this as your guide to keeping the spirit of Holi alive throughout the year. Ready to get colourful? Let's explore some unexpected, but totally awesome ways to use gulal.

Also Read: Why Your Holi Colours Could Be Harming Your Skin, And How To Protect Yourself

10 Fun Ways To Use Gulal; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Create Vibrant Artwork

If you're the creative type, you're in for a treat. Gulal is a fantastic medium for making stunning, vibrant artwork that will bring your home to life. The powder's rich colours and fine texture make it perfect for creating stunning abstract paintings or detailed designs on canvas. Simply sprinkle the gulal on a wet canvas or mix it with a bit of water to create a watercolour effect. The pigments can blend beautifully, giving your artwork a playful and energetic vibe. You can even get adventurous and try some traditional Rangoli designs, using gulal to decorate your living room floor or outdoor space.

Not only does this give new life to the powder, but it also allows you to experiment with new artistic techniques. So why not take a bit of time to sit down, unleash your inner artist, and turn your leftover gulal into a masterpiece?

2. Spice Up Your Home Decor

Gulal doesn't just have to be about colour in art, it can also help brighten up your home. Consider using the vibrant powders in DIY crafts, such as decorating picture frames, jars, or vases. A simple glass jar filled with gulal, for example, can make for a beautiful and unique vase that captures the essence of festive cheer. Or, if you've been craving a touch of bohemian flair, create a set of colourful candles by mixing gulal with wax or pouring coloured wax over the powder.

The best part is that these projects are not only fun but also incredibly affordable. The next time you want to add a bit of zing to your living space, reach for that forgotten gulal and let your imagination run wild.

10 Fun Ways To Use Gulal; Photo Credit: Pexels

3. Add Some Colour To Your Nails

Who says gulal is only for the walls or canvas? If you're a fan of DIY beauty treatments, your leftover gulal can become the star of your next at-home manicure. You can easily turn gulal into a vibrant nail polish by mixing the powder with clear nail polish or clear base coat. This results in a bold and custom colour that's truly one of a kind.

Alternatively, you can sprinkle a bit of the powder over a freshly painted nail, letting it stick to the wet surface for a textured, almost glittery effect. The best part? You're using something eco-friendly and non-toxic, so it's safe for your nails and the environment. Get creative with mixing shades of gulal, and you'll have a set of uniquely coloured nails that are sure to be a conversation starter.

4. Create Natural Body Scrubs

Gulal may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of skincare, but it has a surprising benefit for your beauty routine. When combined with other natural ingredients like sugar, honey, and coconut oil, gulal makes for a wonderfully exfoliating body scrub. The fine powder helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth, soft, and radiant. Plus, the natural pigments from the gulal add a burst of colour to the scrub, making it visually appealing as well.

Just mix a bit of gulal with the other ingredients, and voilà, you have yourself a homemade scrub that not only exfoliates but also adds a touch of fun to your bath time ritual. It's a perfect way to pamper yourself post-Holi while extending the festive spirit.

10 Fun Ways To Use Gulal; Photo Credit: Pexels

5. Turn It Into Decorative Candles

Candles are an easy way to add warmth and charm to any space, and when combined with gulal, they take on a whole new level of vibrancy. Simply melt wax and pour it into moulds, then mix in gulal for a burst of colour. Whether you want pastel hues or bold, striking shades, gulal gives you the freedom to create candles that reflect your style.

You can even experiment with layering different colours of gulal in a single candle to create a rainbow effect. As the candles burn, the colours will softly blend together, creating a soothing and festive atmosphere. Not only will your home look beautiful, but these handmade candles make for wonderful gifts too.

6. Use Gulal For Dyeing Fabrics

Have you ever thought of turning your old clothes into something new and unique? With gulal, you can easily create vibrant tie-dye patterns that breathe new life into your wardrobe. It's a fun, creative way to repurpose old clothes or even give your plain home textiles, like tablecloths, cushion covers, and curtains, a fresh, colourful update. Simply soak the fabric in a mixture of water and gulal and let the colours seep in.

For a more advanced technique, try creating intricate patterns with the gulal by folding and twisting the fabric in different ways. The best part is that it's eco-friendly and budget-friendly, so you can give your home and wardrobe a cheerful, colourful makeover without spending a fortune.

10 Fun Ways To Use Gulal; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Create Eco-Friendly Confetti

If you're planning a celebration, whether it's a birthday, wedding, or any event, why not make your own eco-friendly confetti from leftover gulal? You can simply crush the gulal powder into smaller pieces and scatter it across the floor or use it in a confetti cannon. Unlike the harmful plastic confetti that litters the environment, gulal confetti is biodegradable and won't leave a trail of waste behind.

So the next time you're hosting a party, surprise your guests with a burst of colourful gulal confetti. Not only will it be fun and festive, but it will also be a reminder of the vibrant, waste-free celebrations that are more in tune with nature.

8. Craft Your Own Soap

For a fun and practical way to use gulal, why not create your own colourful soaps? The process is simple: mix gulal with soap base, essential oils, and a bit of glycerine. You can then pour the mixture into moulds and let it set. This easy DIY project gives you the chance to personalise your soaps with vibrant colours and pleasant scents.

These homemade soaps make for wonderful gifts, and you can even create a set with different colours and fragrances. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this project will allow you to add some playful charm to your bathroom while keeping the Holi spirit alive.

Products Related To This Article

1. Ascension Natural Organic Holi Gulal Colour

2. Tota Holi Ke Rang Holi Colour

3. CraftVatika Natural Holi Colour

4. eCraftIndia Rasrang Herbal Gulal Holi Colours

5. Hari Darshan Organic Gulal Combo

6. Indian Karigar Starch Holi Gulal for Holi Colour 480g 6 Flavor

7. Hari Darshan Pure Organic Gulal Combo (400g) Pack of 4

8. Cock Brand Natural Gold Gulal for Holi

Gulal is far more than just a festive powder used during Holi. It's a versatile and vibrant material that can be used in so many creative ways, from art and skincare to home decor and DIY projects. By repurposing your leftover gulal, you not only breathe new life into something that might otherwise be forgotten but also embrace a fun, colourful way to express yourself throughout the year.

Whether you're sprucing up your living room with handmade crafts, getting creative with fashion and beauty, or indulging in some eco-friendly DIY projects, gulal adds that perfect splash of colour. So next time you have a bit of gulal lying around, don't just stash it away, let your imagination run wild and see just how many creative possibilities there are for this festive powder. Keep the spirit of Holi alive all year round and remember: the world always looks better with a little extra colour.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purposes only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories, and brands listed in this article.