Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

News

Eco-Friendly Red Colour For Holi

Option: 1

Turmeric and lemon juice can be combined. Because lemon juice is acidic, it will cause the turmeric to turn red. After that, you can set the mixture aside in a well-ventilated area to dry. Just make sure there is not any sunlight present or it will bleach.

Red hibiscus flowers can also be dried until crisp, at which point they can be ground into a powder using a mixer. To boost the quantity and quality of the colour, you can then combine equal parts rice flour and red saffron.

To get a red, wet colour, you can also boil pomegranate peels in water.

Option: 2

The following ingredients are needed to make red for Holi:

  • A red hibiscus flower or dried rose petals
  • Corn flour or any type of flour

Steps:

  •  Rose or hibiscus petals that have been dried are needed to create a red colour.
  •  Grind them into a fine paste after soaking them for an hour.
  •  To make the paste into a smooth powder, thoroughly mix in the cornflour.
  •  Microwave it or dry it in the sun.
  • As an alternative, you can use raktachandan or red sandalwood powder as gulal if you do not mind spending a little money.

Option: 3

You can make eco-friendly red color for Holi using natural ingredients like beetroot or hibiscus. Here’s how you can make it:

Beetroot Red Colour:

Ingredients: 

  • 1-2 medium-sized beetroots
  • Water
  • Cornstarch or flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

  • Wash and peel the beetroots.
  • Chop the beetroots into small pieces.
  • Place the chopped beetroots in a pot and add enough water to cover them.
  • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
  • Strain the liquid to separate the beetroot dye from the solid pieces.
  • You can either use the liquid directly as a dye or further concentrate it by simmering it on low heat until you achieve the desired intensity.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the beetroot dye with cornstarch or flour until you get a paste-like consistency.

 Note:

  • Adjust the concentration of the beetroot dye according to your preference for a lighter or darker shade of red.
  • Store the eco-friendly red color in a sealed container in the refrigerator when not in use.

This natural red color is safe to use and adds a vibrant touch to your Holi celebrations without harming the environment or your skin. Enjoy your eco-friendly Holi!

Female Holi Tips for a Safe & Fun Festival

Is Holi Safe for Female Travelers?

One of the biggest questions female travelers ask is: Is Holi safe for solo women? While no place in the world is completely risk-free, the good news is that with the right precautions, you can have an amazing and safe Holi experience.

As a female traveler, I personally had a fantastic time celebrating Holi! While Holi can be chaotic, crowded, and sometimes overwhelming, the key is preparation. You might feel out of your comfort zone, but that’s part of the adventure. With these Holi safety tips for female travelers, you’re set to have a fun, memorable, and safe celebration!

Best Places for Female Travelers to Celebrate Holi in India

India comes alive with color during Holi, but choosing the right location is key. Some places attract more foreigners, making them safer and more welcoming for solo female travelers.

Top destinations for female travelers:

  • Pushkar: One of the most popular spots for international travelers. It’s lively, colorful, and full of energy! However, it gets busy, so book accommodations in advance.
  • Rishikesh: A safe and spiritual destination, ideal for female solo travelers. I celebrated Holi here in 2019 and highly recommend Shiv Shakti Hostel for a fun, friendly experience.
  • Udaipur & Jodhpur: These cities in Rajasthan are great for backpackers and solo female travelers looking for a more relaxed yet vibrant Holi celebration.

Holi Safety & Preparation Tips for Women

1. Find a Girl Gang (Or Any Group!)

Holi is more fun with friends! Celebrating in a group enhances your experience and provides an extra layer of safety. If you’re traveling solo, consider staying in a hostel to meet other travelers or joining Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel to connect with fellow female travelers.

2. Wear Your Worst Clothes

Holi colors stain—permanently! Here’s how to handle it:

  • Wear cheap, light-colored clothing (white is traditional and looks great in photos!).
  • Be prepared to donate or dispose of your Holi outfit afterward.
  • Avoid wearing anything expensive or sentimental.

3. Protect Your Skin & Hair

  • Apply coconut or mustard oil to your skin and hair before heading out to prevent color stains.
  • Use waterproof sunscreen to protect against sun exposure.
  • Wear a scarf or cap to keep color out of your hair.

4. Bring Sunglasses

Even if it’s cloudy, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from powder colors, which can sting and cause irritation.

5. Stay Hydrated & Eat Beforehand

Holi is an exhausting festival, and many cafes close for celebrations. Stay energized by:

  • Eating a good meal beforehand to avoid feeling weak.
  • Carrying a water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Taking advantage of free food offerings, a Holi tradition in many places.

6. Locate a Safe Space or Meeting Point

Crowds at Holi can be overwhelming, and phone signals can be unreliable. Before the celebrations begin, set a meeting point with friends in case you get separated.

7. Carry Minimal Valuables

Holi is a messy festival, and carrying too many valuables isn’t a good idea.

  • Keep essentials in a bum bag or crossbody bag for security.
  • Leave expensive gadgets at your accommodation.
  • If you bring your phone, use a waterproof pouch to protect it from colors and water.

8. Be Cautious with Bhang & Alcohol

Holi celebrations often include bhang (a cannabis-based drink) and alcohol. If you’re not used to it, it can be overwhelming. Only consume what you’re comfortable with and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.

9. Be Ready to Get Messy!

The best way to enjoy Holi is to embrace the chaos. Expect colors to be thrown at you, sometimes even smeared on your face and hair. Most of it is in good spirit, but if someone makes you uncomfortable, firmly say “No” and move away.

10. Head Out Early

Holi celebrations start early in the morning and slow down by the afternoon. By lunchtime, streets begin to clear, and cafes reopen. To get the best experience, join the fun right after breakfast and wrap up before crowds get too intense.

Post-Holi Cleanup: Removing Stains from Hair & Skin

After Holi, you might find your skin and hair stained in bright colors. Here’s how to clean up:

  • Prevention is key: Applying oil before playing makes it easier to wash off colors.
  • Use gentle cleansers: Harsh scrubbing can irritate your skin. Opt for a mild soap and warm water.
  • For hair stains: Mix lemon juice with a mild shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
  • Keep showering daily: Some stains may take a few days to fade, but they will eventually disappear!

What’s Holi All About?

Holi is more than just a festival of colors—it’s a cultural celebration of good triumphing over evil. The night before Holi, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning away of negativity, inspired by the mythological story of Hiranyakashyapa and his son Prahlad.

The next morning, people gather to throw colors, dance, and celebrate the arrival of spring. The festival promotes joy, forgiveness, and unity—making it one of the most magical experiences in India.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Holi with Confidence!

Holi is an unforgettable festival, and with these safety tips, you can fully enjoy the experience while staying secure.

 Get ready to celebrate, embrace the colors, and make amazing memories!

9 Essential Holi Safety Tips for Parents to Protect Their Children

Holi, the festival of colors, brings joy, laughter, and vibrant celebrations. While children eagerly await the fun of splashing colors, parents often worry about their safety. From water balloons and pichkaris to friendly color fights, Holi can pose risks if not celebrated with caution.

To ensure your child enjoys a safe and joyful Holi, follow these essential parenting tips:

1. Opt for Organic Colors

Avoid synthetic colors that contain harmful chemicals. Instead, choose non-toxic, organic, natural, or herbal colors, which are gentler on your child’s skin and easier to wash off.

2. Say No to Water Balloons

While playing with balloons may seem fun, they can cause serious injuries, especially if thrown forcefully. Educate your child about the dangers of water balloons and encourage the use of pichkaris (water guns) for a safer Holi experience.

3. Protect Their Eyes with Goggles

Holi colors can be harsh on the eyes, leading to irritation or infections. Equip your child with funky protective goggles to safeguard their vision while enjoying the festivities.

4. Dress Them in Protective Clothing

Make your child wear full-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize skin exposure to colors. This simple precaution can prevent allergies and skin irritations.

5. Prioritize Skincare

Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly or moisturizer to your child’s skin to create a protective barrier. Use coconut oil on their hair and scalp to prevent color absorption and make washing easier.

6. Teach Them Water Etiquette

Before they start playing, teach your child to avoid targeting people’s faces with water guns. Reinforce the importance of consent, ensuring they respect others’ choices and do not force unwilling friends to participate.

7. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Be prepared for unexpected situations by keeping the contact details of your pediatrician and the nearest hospital readily available. Holi festivities can sometimes lead to minor accidents or allergic reactions.

8. Establish a No-Play Zone Near Food

Even natural colors can be harmful when ingested. Ingesting color powders can lead to food poisoning or allergic reactions. Educate your child on the importance of avoiding oral contact with colors.

9. Supervise Their Playtime

Keep a close watch on your child while they play to prevent any untoward incidents. While they may not appreciate the monitoring, reassure them that it’s for their safety and your love for their well-being.

Celebrate Holi with Safety and Joy

Holi is a time for vibrant celebrations, delicious treats, and unforgettable moments. By following these safety tips, you can ensure your child has a fun-filled and safe experience. Wishing you a colorful, joyous, and safe Holi!

Telangana to Host the 72nd Miss World, Showcasing Rich Heritage and Global Vision of India’s Youngest State-2025

The world’s most prestigious beauty festival, Miss World, is set to return to India for its 72nd edition, with Telangana proudly hosting the global event in 2025. The festival spans 28 days from May 4th to May 31st, spread across various destinations in Telangana, a state with a rich legacy and modern vibe. The opening and closing ceremonies, including the grand finale, are scheduled in Hyderabad.

For More Details Click Here

Vivekotsav-2025: Celebrating Youth, Talent, and Inspiration

A Grand Celebration of Knowledge and Talent

Vande Mataram! The Vivekananda Memorial Youth Foundation (VMYF), in collaboration with Badruka College, successfully hosted Vivekotsav-2025 on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Badruka College, Kacheguda. The event saw enthusiastic participation from around 300 students representing various Degree, B.Tech, and Postgraduate colleges, making it a vibrant and dynamic gathering.

Enthralling Competitions

The event featured a diverse range of competitions, including:

  • Essay Writing
  • Elocution
  • Quiz
  • Skit
  • Poster Presentation
  • PowerPoint Presentation (PPT)
  • Group Singing
  • Group Dance

Students showcased their talents, engaging in healthy competition and demonstrating creativity, knowledge, and teamwork.

Inspiring Words from the Chief Guest

A major highlight of the event was the presence of Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, former Chairman of DRDO, as the Chief Guest. In his inspiring speech, he emphasized the importance of perseverance, innovation, and youth empowerment. His words deeply resonated with the students, motivating them to pursue excellence and contribute to the nation’s progress.

Recognizing Excellence

The program concluded with an award ceremony where winners of various competitions were honored with prizes and certificates, recognizing their dedication and achievements.

Role of CSR Memorial Foundation and Other Sponsors

The success of Vivekotsav-2025 was made possible through the support of generous sponsors, including SBS & Co, CSR Memorial Foundation, Srikara Foundation, Helping Hands, Sangam Hotel, and Patolla Brothers.

Notably, CSR Memorial Foundation played a key role in backing the event, reinforcing its mission of fostering education, youth empowerment, and social development. The foundation has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting students through:

  • Scholarships
  • Skill development programs
  • Leadership training

These initiatives ensure a brighter future for young minds by equipping them with the necessary skills and opportunities to excel.

Conclusion

With its resounding success, Vivekotsav-2025 provided a meaningful platform for students to showcase their skills while embracing the values of discipline, teamwork, and intellectual growth—true to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

How to Make Organic Colours at Home

How to Make Organic Colours at Home

The materials needed to play Holi are water, gulaal, and easily accessible synthetic colours. However, have you ever considered how detrimental these artificial colouring agents are to your skin?

Such colours have been shown to be harsh on the skin, causing cuts, rashes, allergies, and other issues. We can help you find a solution so you can enjoy Holi worry-free.

The only way to play Holi without getting hurt on your skin is to use “DIY Holi colours,” or organic colours, which are created using natural and household ingredients.

Yellow: 

For a yellow colour, you can combine gramme flour and turmeric in a 1:2 ratio. To ensure an even mixing of the ingredients, make sure to rub the mixture between your palms. To get a fine texture, you can then sieve the mixture through a strainer two or three times.

To create wet yellow colours, you can either add turmeric or boil marigolds in water. To achieve better colouring, make sure the turmeric is organic.

Red: 

Turmeric and lemon juice can be combined. Because lemon juice is acidic, it will cause the turmeric to turn red. After that, you can set the mixture aside in a well-ventilated area to dry. Just make sure there is not any sunlight present or it will bleach.

Red hibiscus flowers can also be dried until crisp, at which point they can be ground into a powder using a mixer. To boost the quantity and quality of the colour, you can then combine equal parts rice flour and red saffron.

To get a red, wet colour, you can also boil pomegranate peels in water.

Magenta: 

Slices of beetroot can be boiled in water. Red onions can also be used. Before using, strain and chill the water.

Pink: 

You can use the same procedures that you used to create the red colour. Simply use a smaller amount of lemon juice.

Brown: 

To achieve a brown hue, boil 200 grammes of coffee with water. To get rid of the smell, mix some rose water. But remember, coffee water will also result in stains.

Purple:

You can combine corn flour and ground black carrots in a mixer. Then you can leave it to dry. For fragrance, you can also add rose water.

Grey: 

To obtain the grey colour, you can use Indian gooseberry or amla seeds. Combine the corn flour and dried powder, then use without concern.

Green: 

For a dry green colour, you can combine henna powder with rice flour or maida. To get wet colours, mix it with water. Recall that henna combined with water can stain your skin and clothing. 

How to Celebrate Holi

Holi is sometimes called the festival of colors and the festival of love. It is called the festival of love, as on this day, people unite forgetting all the differences and bad feelings for each other. 

Holi marks the arrival of the spring season which is the harvest season and the end of winter.

This festival of colors lasts for around a day and a night in the month of Falgun or Phalguna, which starts in the evening of Purnima or Full Moon Day. 

The first evening of this great festival is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi and the following day is called and celebrated as Holi. 

However, it is known by different names in different parts of the country.

How to celebrate Holi and what its its Significance:

  • As Holi is the festival of colors, it is considered that vibrant colors bring in a lot of positivity to our lives. And it is worth enjoying and celebrating a day to fill our lives with positivity. 
  • The ritual is started by lighting up the bonfire one day before the day of Holi and people often throw things like wood, dried leaves, and twigs into bonfires. This process resembles the victory of good over bad.
  • On the day of Holi people purely enjoy and have fun by splashing colors on each other called Gulal, with their friends and families.
  • Also, there are a few private parties where people can attend and play Holi together. Holi is a fun-filled festival that can be enjoyed with your friends, neighbors, and your colony members too. 
  • Children also enjoy the festival by splashing colored water with water guns and water balloons. People also dance and vibe around by playing songs on this festive day. 
  • In the evening they show love and respect to their close ones with some lip-smacking sweets like Gujiya and a special Holi drink called Thandai.
  • According to Hindu mythology, demon king Hiranyakashyap was given a boon which gave him the superpower of not being killed by either a man or any animal. 
  • Hiranyakashyap had bad intentions and wanted to be worshiped by people. On the other hand, his own son Prahalad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. 
  • As his own son doesn’t worship him, Hiranyakashyap was angry at that fact and asked his sister, demon Holika to sit in a pyre(bonfire) while holding his Prahalad. Both Holika and Prahalad sat on fire. 
  • But only Holika died, and Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu. After saving Prahalad, Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Narasimha- a half-human and half-lion and killed the demon king Hiranyakashyap. 
  • Hence, many locals celebrate the morning bonfire which is Holika Dahan which represents the burning of the demoness Holika. 
  • The colors with which we play Holi, are also said to have some meaning within them. The color blue symbolizes the color of Lord Krishna, as it was believed that he was born with blue skin. 
  • The color Green – resembles New beginnings and Rebirth. The red color symbolizes good marital life or fertility. However, yellow is a color that is used on every occasion and is considered to be auspicious.
  • Although Holi is celebrated in the same way across the country, there are a few places where the celebration is unique. Celebrations of Holi in Vrindavan and Mathura are very famous for their unique celebrations. 
  • Also, in places like Rajasthan, Barsana, and Uttar Pradesh people celebrate Lathmar Holi. During Lathmar Holi women hit men with sticks(called lath) and the men try to shield themselves. 
  • So, this Holi makes a point to educate your children about the significance of the festival, enjoy playing Holi with your neighbors or friends and seek the blessings of your elders. Have a happy and safe Holi!

Holi

Holi,  one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India, is celebrated in almost every part of the country. The great Indian festival lasts for a day and a night, which starts in the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day in the month of Falgun.  It is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on the first evening of the festival and the following day is called Holi.

Mythological significance of Holi:
Despite being such a colourful and gay festival, there are various aspects of Holi which make it so significant for Indians. Holi gets us close to our religion and our mythology as it is essentially the celebration of various legends associated with the festival.
  • Foremost is the legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakshyap. The Legend has it that Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion to the lord while Holika paid a price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika or the ‘Holika Dahan comes mainly from this legend.
  • Holi also celebrates the legend of Radha and Krishna which describes the extreme delight Krishna took in applying colour on Radha and other gopis.  This prank of Krishna later became a trend and a part of the Holi festivities.
  • Mythology also states that Holi is the celebration of the death of Ogress Pootana who tried to kill an infant, Krishna by feeding poisonous milk to it.

Rituals of Holi:

Rituals of the ancient festival of Holi are religiously followed every year with care and enthusiasm.  Days before Holi, people start gathering wood for the lighting of the bonfire called Holika at the major crossroads of the city. This ritual ensures that at the time of the actual celebration a huge pile of wood is collected.

Holi pooja:

It is believed that all sorts of fear can be conquered by doing Holika Puja on Holi. Holika Puja bestows power, prosperity, and wealth. It is believed that Holika was created to ward off all sorts of fear. Hence Holika, although a Demoness, is worshipped along with Prahlada before Holika Dahan.

The tradition of Thandai:

Thandai is embedded with the tradition of Holi.  A refreshing and healthful drink thandai is savored amid the play of colors when people become a little exhausted by throwing each other in the pool of colored waters. 

The tradition of Bhang:

Culled from the leaves and buds of cannabis – the very intoxicating bhang helps to escalate the spirit of Holi. The tradition of consuming bhang on Holi is particularly rampant in North India where Holi itself is celebrated with a gusto unseen anywhere else.

The colorful festival:

All in all the air is abuzz with fun and excitement. Each Holi color signifies a special emotion that transcends the brightly colored faces of people to a sentiment of community, equality and oneness.

  • Red: Purity
  • Orange: Endurance
  • Purple: Magic
  • Blue: Calmness
  • Green: Vitality
  • Yellow: Happiness
  • Pink: Love

Significance of colours in Holi

India celebrates Holi in all its glory with loud and elaborate revelry.

India’s First Telugu LLM by August: Transforming Digital Access in Local Dialects

The Telugu language is set to take a major leap in digital accessibility with the launch of the first-ever Telugu Large Language Model (LLM). This ambitious initiative, led by the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) in collaboration with Swecha, aims to make information readily available in Telugu and its regional dialects. The project is expected to release a basic version by April 2025 during the ‘AI Days’ conference, with a full-scale deployment planned by August 2025.

Empowering Telugu Speakers Through AI

Language models have revolutionized digital communication, but most AI-driven platforms are predominantly optimized for global languages like English. The development of a Telugu LLM will bridge this gap, ensuring native speakers can interact with digital platforms more naturally. This initiative aims to enhance access to knowledge in Telugu, making information retrieval, translations, and interactive digital experiences more seamless.

A Data-Driven Approach to Language Modeling

Building an effective AI model requires vast datasets, and the team behind the Telugu LLM has undertaken an extensive effort to compile one. They have digitized approximately 8 crore pages of Telugu literature and collected 4,000 hours of spoken data. This vast repository covers various dialects and linguistic nuances, ensuring the AI model can understand and generate text in multiple regional variations of Telugu.

From Folk Tales to Advanced AI

This isn’t the first attempt at creating Telugu-language AI models. Swecha and Ozonetel Communications previously collaborated to develop ‘AI Chandamama Kathalu,’ a Telugu Small Language Model (SLM) trained on folk tales. This earlier success provided a strong foundation for the upcoming Telugu LLM, demonstrating the potential of community-driven, open-source projects in advancing regional AI capabilities.

Impact on Culture, Education, and Business

The introduction of a Telugu LLM is expected to have a transformative impact across multiple domains:

Education: Students will have access to AI-powered learning tools in their native language, improving comprehension and accessibility.

Government and Public Services: Citizens can interact with online portals, legal documents, and official information in Telugu, reducing the language barrier in essential services.

Business and Customer Service: Companies can develop AI chatbots and voice assistants tailored to Telugu-speaking customers, enhancing customer engagement.

Preservation of Local Dialects: By incorporating various regional accents and linguistic styles, the model helps preserve and promote Telugu’s rich linguistic heritage.

Looking Ahead

With an expected full-scale release by August 2025, the Telugu LLM will mark a significant milestone in AI-driven language accessibility. As more regional language models emerge, India moves closer to a truly inclusive digital future, where technology caters to linguistic diversity rather than restricting it.

The success of this project could serve as a blueprint for other Indian languages, ensuring that AI technology benefits all linguistic communities. For Telugu speakers, this initiative is not just about AI—it’s about preserving culture, improving accessibility, and paving the way for future innovation in regional language computing.

Honoring a Legacy: Telangana IT Minister Pays Tribute to His Father’s Selfless Service

On March 2, 2025, Telangana’s Information Technology Minister, D. Sridhar Babu, commemorated the 88th birth anniversary of his father, the late Duddilla Sripada Rao, former Speaker of the undivided Andhra Pradesh Assembly. The event in Manthani town was marked by heartfelt tributes and community-centric initiatives.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

Minister Sridhar Babu paid floral tributes to his father’s statue, reflecting on Sripada Rao’s selfless contributions to society. He emphasized the enduring impact of good deeds, stating, “If we do good for 10 people, it should be remembered for 10 generations.” This sentiment underscores the lasting influence of Sripada Rao’s work in the community.

Community Engagement and Welfare Activities

Demonstrating a commitment to public welfare, Sridhar Babu visited the Government Hospital in Manthani. There, he distributed fruits and bread to patients and provided new uniforms to the sanitation staff, highlighting the importance of healthcare and hygiene. Additionally, he inaugurated a buttermilk distribution center at the Manthani bus station, an initiative by the Youth Congress, to offer free refreshments to the public.

A Pledge to Constituents

In his address, Sridhar Babu expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from party workers and leaders. He reaffirmed his dedication to his constituency, stating that despite his ministerial role, he remains a committed worker for the people of his region. He noted that while Sripada Rao is no longer present, his spirit continues to inspire and guide their collective efforts.

The commemoration not only honored Sripada Rao’s legacy but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to community service and the well-being of the people in Manthani and beyond.