Holi 2026: Festival of Colors: Bhopal's Holi market decked up, rise in demand for herbal colors
Holi 2026: Bhopal: Excitement for Holi, the festival of colors, is reaching its peak in the capital, Bhopal. The city's markets are fully decorated in preparation for Holika Dahan on March 2 and the celebration of the festival of colors on March 4.
From New Market to the Chowk Bazaar in the old city, shops are adorned with colorful gulal, attractive water guns, and Holi-themed clothing. The markets are thronged with shoppers, and a festive atmosphere prevails everywhere.
Temporary Markets Are Bustling
Temporary stalls have been set up in the city's major commercial areas—New Market, Chowk Bazaar, Azad Market, Itwara, Marwari Road, Loha Bazaar, BHEL, Number 10 Market, Bairagarh, and Karond. These stalls offer herbal gulal, organic colors, white T-shirts with slogans like "Holi Hai!", colorful caps, children's masks, and a variety of designer water guns. Cartoon-themed water guns and pichkaris are a particular attraction for young children.
However, amid the excitement in the market, the impact of inflation is also being felt. Many customers report that the prices of colors and water guns have increased by 10 to 20 percent this year. However, the impact of these prices appears limited in the face of the festive spirit.
Increased dominance of indigenous products
A significant shift is evident in the Holi market this year. While previously most fancy goods were imported from China, Indian products have now gained a strong foothold in the market. Traders say that import controls, promotion of local production, and growing awareness of indigenous products have significantly reduced the share of foreign goods.
According to Vivek Sahu, General Secretary of the Bhopal Kirana Vyapari Mahasangh and former spokesperson of CAT, "Earlier, customers used to buy Chinese-made products unknowingly, but now they have become more vigilant. Many customers themselves ask shopkeepers whether the goods are 'Made in India' or not." He says that the increased demand for indigenous products is directly benefiting local cottage industries and small manufacturers.
Ordinary water guns, gulal, and colors are almost entirely manufactured by Indian companies. However, partial foreign dependence still persists in some battery-powered or musical-themed water guns.
A shift away from chemical colors
Wholesale color and water gun dealers say that this time, customers are leaning toward herbal and natural colors. "People are now avoiding chemical colors, keeping in mind children's skin and the environment. Sales of gulal and organic colors made from flowers have increased manifold compared to previous years," said a trader.
Awareness campaigns by doctors and social organizations are also having an impact. Many schools and residential colonies are promoting an "eco-friendly Holi." This has had a direct impact on the market, where separate counters for herbal colors have been set up.
Sweets and grocery trade booming
Holi is not only a festival of colors, but also of dishes and sweets. Demand for gujiyas, namkeens, mathris, dahi-vadas, and other traditional delicacies is growing rapidly. Grocery, dairy, and sweet shops are seeing a surge in customers.
Traders estimate that the Bhopal division could generate a turnover of approximately Rs 100 to Rs150 crore between Holi and Rang Panchami. Advance bookings have already begun, especially for sweet shops in the Chowk and Itwara areas. Demand for dairy products has also increased, as special dishes are prepared at home during the festival.
Enthusiasm among traders
Traders believe that the market is more vibrant this year than in previous years. The support for indigenous products is a positive sign for local trade. This has given new energy to small and medium-scale industries.
Overall, preparations for the festival of colors are in full swing in the capital, Bhopal. The hustle and bustle of the markets, the growing demand for indigenous products, and awareness about the environment have made this Holi special. Despite mild concerns about inflation, city residents are ready to welcome this festival of colors with great enthusiasm.