Holi morning in Mathura! The streets were filled with colours, laughter, and the sound of “Holi hai!” Buckets of coloured water flew through the air. Faces were painted pink, green, and yellow.

But ten-year-old Gopal stood at his door, watching sadly. His family had no money for gulal or water guns this year. Papa had lost his job, and every rupee was needed for essentials.

“I can’t play Holi this year,” Gopal told his friend Radha.

“Who says you need to BUY colours?” said Radha, her eyes twinkling.

She took Gopal to her grandmother’s garden. “Look! Nature gives us the BEST colours!”

They crushed marigold flowers for yellow. They ground dried hibiscus petals for red. They mixed turmeric powder with water for a beautiful golden paste. They even used beetroot juice for pink!

“These are natural colours!” said Radha. “Better for skin AND better for the earth!”

Gopal’s face lit up. “Let’s make colours for everyone!”

They made big bowls of natural colours and set up a table in the street. A sign read: “FREE Natural Holi Colours — Made with Love!”

Children came running. Adults came too! Everyone loved the natural colours — they smelled like flowers and washed off easily.

“This is the best Holi EVER!” said a neighbour. “No chemicals, no harm, just pure joy!”

Gopal was the happiest boy in Mathura. He didn’t spend a single rupee, but he gave the whole neighbourhood the most beautiful Holi ever.

Papa came out and hugged him. “I’m so proud of you, Gopal. You proved that celebrations don’t need money — they need heart.”

Gopal looked at his hands — stained yellow and pink from flowers — and grinned. “Happy Holi, Papa! This is the most colourful day of my life!”