A model cationic reactive dye based on an anthraquinone chromophore was prepared. The synthesis of this dye was achieved by the modification of the a free amino group of an anthraquinone-based dye, reacting first with cyanuric chloride and then with N-(2-aminoethyl)pyridinium chloride. TLC analysis was employed to follow the chemical reactions. The application of the prepared dye to cotton fabric was carried out using the exhaustion method without the addition of electrolytes. The results showed that, despite no electrolytes being present in the dye bath, a high percentage of dye exhaustion could be obtained. The high percentage of dye exhaustion was attributed to the attractive force between positive charges on the dye molecule and the negatively charged fibre surface. A high degree of dye fixation with excellent wash fastness was also achievable. Advantageously, it was found that this cationic reactive dye showed promising fastness to light when compared with that of analogous conventional basic dye on cotton. It is believed that the pyridinium cationic moiety, which attached separately to the chromophore via aliphatic spacer groups, was later eliminated during the washing-off process, hence causing an insignificant effect on the photofading of the dyed fabric.