Indore forest dept scales down herbal gulal production
By TINA KHATRI | INDORE | March 1, 2026
With Holi falling in the first week of March this year, the blooming of Palash flowers in the forests has been delayed, leading to a significant drop in herbal gulal production in the Choral Range.
📍 Where to Buy?
Location: Indore Forest Division Office, Navratna Bagh
Availability: Starting Monday until Rang Panchami
⚠️ Only 1,000 packets available nationwide this year!
Typically, the department produces between 20 to 25 kilograms of natural color annually. However, this year, the target has been reduced to just 1,000 packets due to the limited availability of properly dried Palash flowers.
Climate Impact on Production
Officials cited the extended winter season, changing weather conditions, and the early arrival of Holi as key reasons for the shortage. Flower collection from forest areas only began on February 26 with the assistance of local villagers.
“The flowers have not dried properly. This has caused significant difficulties in grinding and processing them into the vibrant herbal color Indore residents expect.”
— Sachin Verma, Range Officer
Production Decline: 2016 vs 2026
The sharp reduction in 2026 marks the lowest production point since the initiative's inception in 2016.
| Year Period | Production Scale |
|---|---|
| 2016 (Inception) | 5,000 Packets |
| 2017–2019 | ~10,000 Packets Annually |
| 2023–2025 | ~20,000 Packets Sold |
| 2026 | 1,000 Packets ONLY |
Divisional Forest Officer Lal Sudhakar Singh confirmed that despite the low volume, the stall at Navratna Bagh will serve as the primary point of sale to encourage residents to support eco-friendly celebrations made from natural forest produce.
Blogger Search Description: Indore Forest Department scales back herbal gulal production to just 1,000 packets for Holi 2026. Delayed Palash blooms in Choral Range cited as the cause. Sale begins Monday at Navratna Bagh office. Exclusive report by Tina Khatri.