Generation Z, who are increasingly known for their more conscientious habits and breaking away from traditions that don’t work for them, are incorporating modern, innovative and eco-friendly elements into Holi traditions. The World Economic Forum reported that Generation Z is the most concerned about the well-being of the planet, prompting others to prioritize eco-friendly living in their purchasing choices. This is a shift that started a few years ago, when millennials swapped Holi powders for flowers or herbal colors.
But “a sustainable Holi is not just about using organic colors,” said Samridhi, a 26-year-old sustainability blogger from Mumbai. “It’s much more than that: it’s about carpooling or taking public transport to get around, buying local, promoting small businesses, cooking at home and opting for plastic-free treats and gifts.”
Natural and vegetable colors are usually made from floral extracts, plant colors and cooking ingredients. For example, turmeric powder for the yolk, Palash petals for the orange and pomegranate peels or hibiscus flowers for the red. But Gen Z is taking inspiration from this millennial trend: “I believe in a zero waste approach, which means no flowers or leaves need to be picked. Instead, I collect flowers that are already donated to temples and use fruits and fruits. leftover food left over from preparing snacks for our Holi celebrations,” shared Priyanka Shinde, 19, from Pune.
“I came across an Instagram video showing how using cow dung cakes for Holi bonfires is more planet-friendly than traditional wooden logs,” said Vedang Gupta, 20, from New Delhi, an infamous city on the Air. Quality Index (AQI). He explained that apart from saving trees, burning of cow dung also helps local cow shelters. “I thought it was super cool and I was [burning cow dung instead of wood] ever since,” Gupta added.
Beyond ecological shopping
On social media, Gen Z creators are posting content that aligns with their planet-focused values, giving the Holi festival an eco-friendly makeover. “This year I will be sharing #OOTD mirror selfies with styling tips on how to recycle old discarded clothes into fun Holi outfits instead of buying new ones,” said Sarah Mukherjee, 22, from Kolkata.
However, for Gen Z, a true planet-friendly lifestyle goes beyond sustainable shopping and embraces a greater ethos of kindness and respect.
“I like to make sure people agree and give consent to apply color on them, and I expect the same in return. You can’t get away with things like ‘anymore’bura na maano, holi hai’ [a common phrase used to cajole people to not take offense if someone plays a prank or forcefully throws colour on them as a part of the festivities] like previous generations did,” said Aditi Srivastava, 24, from Mumbai. Holi festivals in previous years have included several instances of non-consensual color splashing and unwanted attention towards women.
Similarly, in past Holi celebrations, stray animals have been splashed with colors and are often targeted, especially when they fail to escape. This can lead to health problems and even blindness in animals.
“It’s heartbreaking to find them hiding under cars, trying to escape from thugs throwing paint at them,” said Sara Sing, 23, from New Delhi. Singh is a member of a local cat club that volunteers to rescue and foster cats as well as raise funds for their medical care. “We use festivals like Holi and Diwali to raise awareness against animal cruelty by putting up posters in our neighborhood,” Singh added about his group.
As a pet owner, Singh prefers to prepare dog-friendly meals. gujiyas (a popular empanada-like stuffed dessert prepared on Holi) and enjoy a leisurely holiday at home. “The security guards in my building usually inform me if a stray animal is forced to play Holi. I immediately rush in with pet shampoos because I already have them on hand. If they are not washed at “Over time, this can lead to allergies and hair loss,” she says.
Generation Z, who are increasingly known for their more conscientious habits and breaking away from traditions that don’t work for them, are incorporating modern, innovative and eco-friendly elements into Holi traditions. The World Economic Forum reported that Generation Z is the most concerned about the well-being of the planet, prompting others to prioritize eco-friendly living in their purchasing choices. This is a shift that started a few years ago, when millennials swapped Holi powders for flowers or herbal colors.
But “a sustainable Holi is not just about using organic colors,” said Samridhi, a 26-year-old sustainability blogger from Mumbai. “It’s much more than that: it’s about carpooling or taking public transport to get around, buying local, promoting small businesses, cooking at home and opting for plastic-free treats and gifts.”
Natural and vegetable colors are usually made from floral extracts, plant colors and cooking ingredients. For example, turmeric powder for the yolk, Palash petals for the orange and pomegranate peels or hibiscus flowers for the red. But Gen Z is taking inspiration from this millennial trend: “I believe in a zero waste approach, which means no flowers or leaves need to be picked. Instead, I collect flowers that are already donated to temples and use fruits and fruits. leftover food left over from preparing snacks for our Holi celebrations,” shared Priyanka Shinde, 19, from Pune.
“I came across an Instagram video showing how using cow dung cakes for Holi bonfires is more planet-friendly than traditional wooden logs,” said Vedang Gupta, 20, from New Delhi, an infamous city on the Air. Quality Index (AQI). He explained that apart from saving trees, burning of cow dung also helps local cow shelters. “I thought it was super cool and I was [burning cow dung instead of wood] ever since,” Gupta added.
Beyond ecological shopping
On social media, Gen Z creators are posting content that aligns with their planet-focused values, giving the Holi festival an eco-friendly makeover. “This year I will be sharing #OOTD mirror selfies with styling tips on how to recycle old discarded clothes into fun Holi outfits instead of buying new ones,” said Sarah Mukherjee, 22, from Kolkata.
However, for Gen Z, a true planet-friendly lifestyle goes beyond sustainable shopping and embraces a greater ethos of kindness and respect.
“I like to make sure people agree and give consent to apply color on them, and I expect the same in return. You can’t get away with things like ‘anymore’bura na maano, holi hai’ [a common phrase used to cajole people to not take offense if someone plays a prank or forcefully throws colour on them as a part of the festivities] like previous generations did,” said Aditi Srivastava, 24, from Mumbai. Holi festivals in previous years have included several instances of non-consensual color splashing and unwanted attention towards women.
Similarly, in past Holi celebrations, stray animals have been splashed with colors and are often targeted, especially when they fail to escape. This can lead to health problems and even blindness in animals.
“It’s heartbreaking to find them hiding under cars, trying to escape from thugs throwing paint at them,” said Sara Sing, 23, from New Delhi. Singh is a member of a local cat club that volunteers to rescue and foster cats as well as raise funds for their medical care. “We use festivals like Holi and Diwali to raise awareness against animal cruelty by putting up posters in our neighborhood,” Singh added about his group.
As a pet owner, Singh prefers to prepare dog-friendly meals. gujiyas (a popular empanada-like stuffed dessert prepared on Holi) and enjoy a leisurely holiday at home. “The security guards in my building usually inform me if a stray animal is forced to play Holi. I immediately rush in with pet shampoos because I already have them on hand. If they are not washed at “Over time, this can lead to allergies and hair loss,” she says.