Mussoorie, March 3 -- Women associated with local self-help groups (SHGs) have begun producing eco-friendly products, including 100% natural herbal colours and traditional sweets, from locally sourced resources ahead of the Holi festival, turning cultural traditions into a source of livelihood, officials said. Ukhimath block development officer Anushka told repor- ters on Monday that the initiative spans several villages including Jawadi, Kumoli, Mayakoti, Medanpur and Ukhimath. "The women are using indigenous natural resources to prepare eco-friendly colours as an alternative to chemical dyes. Green colour is prepared from spinach, yellow from turmeric, pink and red from beetroot and saffron from marigold flowers," she said. Officials added that apart from herbal colours, SHG members are also preparing traditional Holi sweets such as gujiya to meet the festive demand in local markets. The handmade herbal colours and sweets are being sold in major local markets. To strengthen the initiative, specialised training was provided to the women by the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the Rural Self-Employment Training Institute (RSETI). Anoop Kumar, director RSETI said the initiative not only strengthens the financial independence of rural women but also promotes eco-friendly celebrations. "This initiative strengthens the financial independence of rural women while encouraging communities to adopt indigenous and chemical-free Holi celebrations," he said. Members of the self-help groups said the project has enabled them to earn income from their homes while preserving traditional practices. Sangeeta, a self-help group member from Jawadi village, said the initiative has given women an opportunity to earn a dignified livelihood....