Prayagraj: With Holi approaching, markets across Prayagraj — including Civil Lines, Katra, Mumfordganj, Rajapur, Sulemsarai, Chowk and Kothaparcha — are packed with shops selling colours and pichkaris of every kind.This year, natural and herbal colours are witnessing strong demand, with customers preferring skin-friendly options over synthetic ones. Long queues were seen at temporary stalls selling herbal gulal and abeer, especially in upscale localities. Shopkeepers said consumer preference has clearly shifted in recent years. “Customers are increasingly asking for natural colours, abeer and gulal,” said a trader. Another shopkeeper, Nitin from Civil Lines, added: “Things have changed. Holi is no longer limited to colours and gulal. New festive items are flooding the markets.” Packaged herbal colours are currently the top sellers, with people buying them not only for home celebrations but also for offices and housing societies. A local, Rajul Bhargava, said: “We always prefer herbal gulal and abeer because they suit everyone’s skin. The tradition of using synthetic colours has changed.” tnn
