This Holi was natural and safer for all those who chose to celebrate the Festival of Colours with Pushpa. After the popular film from down south, Jadavpur University’s creation, Pushpa, is a herbal produced from all natural ingredients in the labs of Jadavpur University. The abir made from floral extracts has become immensely popular among those who care about their environment and their health.
Pushpa has been created in the Chemical engineering labs of Jadavpur University by Dr Siddartha Dutta, former pro-vice chancellor of Jadavpur University and ex-president of State Joint Entrance Board. The abir is made from extracts of flowers like rose, palash, aparajita, dopati and marigold. The abir is considered harmless because it comprises a simple base of talcum powder. It is available in pink, violet, green, yellow and deep orange in packets of 100g, 250g and 500g.
The university lab has the capacity to produce around 5,000 kg of herbal abir every year. They often have to forgo orders because they do not have capacity to produce large quantities. However, a group of researchers and self-help groups have joined hands to produce this abir. The demand for this herbal abir has spiralled over time as people have learnt by word of mouth about its natural ingredients.
While the self-help groups are also helping in producing the abir, they, too, can only produce up to 3,000kgs. The University is looking for tie-ups with other partners to expand production.
