The MoEFCC has launched a hands‑on campaign to prepare natural, biodegradable Holi colours across school Eco‑Clubs . The initiative is part of the EEP and aligns with Mission LiFE . Key Developments Workshops are being conducted in multiple Eco‑Clubs to teach students how to extract pigments from edible vegetables. Green colour is obtained from fresh leafy greens, red from beetroot, yellow from turmeric (haldi), and orange from Gogupuvvu (Palash). All colours are biodegradable and free from synthetic chemicals. The campaign promotes safe celebrations for people and the ecosystem, reducing health hazards associated with conventional synthetic dyes. Important Facts The workshops emphasize practical learning: students crush, filter and dry plant material to produce fine powders that can be mixed with water for safe application. By substituting synthetic dyes, the initiative aims to cut down on chemical runoff into water bodies during Holi festivities. The programme is gaining momentum, with increasing participation across schools, thereby creating a network of youth ambassadors for eco‑friendly festivals. UPSC Relevance Understanding this scheme helps aspirants in several ways: Policy implementation : It showcases how a central ministry translates environmental policy into grassroots action, a typical GS‑III (Environment & Ecology) question. Behavioural change : The link with Mission LiFE illustrates the government’s strategy to embed sustainability in cultural practices, relevant for essay and ethics papers. Inter‑sectoral coordination : The collaboration between MoEFCC, educational institutions and student bodies reflects the multi‑stakeholder approach often examined in GS‑II (Polity) and GS‑III (Environment) sections. Way Forward To scale the impact, the following steps are recommended: Integrate the colour‑making modules into the regular school curriculum under the EEP . Encourage local NGOs and community groups to replicate the workshops during other festivals, expanding the reach beyond schools. Develop a digital repository of recipes and safety guidelines to ensure uniformity and wider accessibility. Monitor and document health and environmental outcomes to provide evidence for policy refinement. By fostering simple, nature‑based solutions, the campaign not only preserves the vibrancy of Holi but also sets a precedent for environmentally responsible celebrations across India.