Gulaal Gota: A Jaipur Holi Tradition

Key Points

• 1Gulaal Gota consists of small lac balls filled with dry gulaal, a tradition dating back around 400 years in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• 2The balls weigh around 20 grams and are thrown at people during Holi.
• 3Gulaal Gotas are made by Muslim lac makers called Manihaars, who learned lac-making from Hindu lac makers.
• 4A box of six Gulaal Gota balls is sold for Rs 150.
• 5Many artisans have received 'artisan cards' from the government and some have showcased their art at international events.
• 6Some Gulaal Gota makers are demanding a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to protect the tradition.