Gulal Gote: Once Forgotten, Jaipur’s 400-Year-Old Traditional Colour Balls Go Viral On Social Media | Two Circles / Jaipur Beats
Gulal Gota, a cherished tradition of Gujarat and Rajasthan, is said to be losing its significance among today’s modern generation. It is a small sphere filled with different colours or Abeer, which was traditionally used to play Holi in these regions around 300 – 400 years ago.
As the festival of colors approached, this age-old tradition of Gulal Gota once again captured the interest of Holi enthusiasts, with numbers reels and videos circulating all over social media.
This eco-friendly and vibrant alternative to water balloons even saw resurgence in popularity, after the artisans shared their stories, process of making these colour balls and the hard work behind them through reels.
What is Gulal Gota?
Gulal Gota is a traditional Holi item from Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is a small, hollow lacquer ball filled with dry colored powder (gulal). These balls are used as eco-friendly alternatives to water balloons during Holi celebrations.
Who crafts these colour balls?
Gulal Gota is traditionally handcrafted by the Manihar community in Jaipur and Rajasthan. This artisan group has been making Gulal Gota for nine generations, passing down the craft as a family tradition.
However, the artisans also believe that the tradition is losing its significance as the job takes hardwork and the item is not in enough demand today.
One of the craftsmen from Jaipur also expressed disappointment saying, “Our children don’t want to carry this craft forward as they don’t find it profitable!”
Explaining the process of making a Gulal Gota, an artisan said it is an intricate and time-consuming skill which requires precision.
Watch the process here:
First step: Preparing Lacquer Shells
Natural lacquer (derived from tree resin) is softened by heating.
Small lacquer spheres are molded by hand.
These spheres are expanded by blowing air through a pipe (phunkni), similar to glass-blowing.
Drying and Hardening
The delicate lacquer balls are left to dry and harden, making them firm but lightweight.
Filling with Gulal (Dry Colored Powder)
Once dry, the hollow spheres are carefully filled with fragrant, natural gulal (colored powder).
Sealing and Polishing
The opening is sealed, ensuring the gulal stays inside.
The final polishing gives the Gulal Gota its signature smooth, glossy finish.
After this, the balls are filled safely in boxes due to their delicate nature and then sold off.
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When thrown, the delicate lacquer shell bursts upon impact, releasing a vibrant cloud of gulal. Unlike water balloons, Gulal Gota is dry, eco-friendly, and biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice for Holi.
As per craftsmen, Gulal Gote can’t be delivered to across states, one has to visit Jaipur’s ‘Maniharon Ki Gali’ to by these amazing Holi item.
