Eco-Friendly rakhis trending ahead of Raksha Bandhan
2
Bhubaneswar: With
Raksha Bandhan
around the corner, climate-conscious youths in the city are increasingly choosing seed and organic rakhis over conventional plastic-based threads. Several organisations and individuals have stepped up to create innovative and eco-friendly alternatives that blend tradition with sustainability.
Among them is the Bakul Foundation, which has been promoting seed rakhis for several years. "So, one gifts plants on Rakhi and can also plant the Rakhi itself," said Sujit Mahapatra, founder of the Bhubaneswar-based NGO.
According to sources, these rakhis are handcrafted from handspun yarn made of organic cotton, naturally dyed, and embedded with living seeds. The packaging is equally eco-conscious, made from recycled wastepaper embedded with seeds, making it fully plantable and biodegradable.
Buyers can choose from four categories of plants: medicinal, flowering, tree-growing, and indoor varieties. Options range from Brahma Dristi, Ajwain, and Insulin in the medicinal category to Ixora for flower lovers, and Baula, Panasa, or Amla for those wanting to gift trees. Indoor plants like Good Luck, Red Aglonema, and Snake Plant are also available.
The seed rakhis come with various combinations of seeds such as sponge gourd, amaranthus, purslane, soybean, roselle, Malabar spinach, basil, cotton, and pumpkin.
Entrepreneurs like Priyadarshini Das, who crafts rakhis using a wide variety of flower and vegetable seeds, say the demand has been encouraging. "I didn't expect this kind of response. Young people are coming to our stalls asking specifically for plantable rakhis. It's heartening to see tradition turning green," she said. Das has also created chocolate rakhis, which are edible and a big hit with children.
For 21-year-old engineering student Arjun Panda, the decision was simple.
"It's a small gesture, but it means a lot. My sister and I planted basil last year, and we still water it together," he said.
Supporting the green shift, Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) is helping self-help groups (SHG)s with raw materials and market linkages for producing and selling seed and organic rakhis. Priced between Rs 15 and Rs30, these eco-friendly rakhis are not only sustainable but also affordable, making them a compelling alternative to plastic-based options.
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Happy Rakhi!' 'I may not say it often, but I'm grateful every day for having you in my life. Happy Rakhi, bhaiya/didi!' "Dear Bhai, you've always protected me like a hero and supported me like a best friend. On this Raksha Bandhan, I'm just grateful to have you by my side." "You might annoy me all year, but today I'll admit it, I'm lucky to have a brother like you. Happy Raksha Bandhan!" "Rakhi is not just a thread. It's a promise, a prayer, and a symbol of the love we've shared since childhood." "To my sister, who's always been my second mom, my biggest fan, and my first friend, thank you for everything." "Your rakhi reminds me every year that I'm not alone, and someone's always looking out for me." "A sister like you makes life brighter, funnier, and warmer. Happy Raksha Bandhan!" Funny and playful greetings 'Here's your yearly reminder: You're lucky to have a sibling like me! Happy Raksha Bandhan!' 'No return gift? No Rakhi next year. Simple math, bro.' 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Overdosing on sentiment for long-distance siblings "Wish I could be there to tie the rakhi on your wrist, but I'm sending love, hugs, and a digital rakhi instead!" "Even if miles separate us, you'll always be close to my heart. Happy Rakhi, sis!" "The thread may be missing this year, but the bond is stronger than ever." 'Even if you're far away this Rakhi, our bond is unbreakable. Sending love and a virtual hug!' 'No distance can dull the shine of our childhood memories. Happy Rakhi from across the miles!' 'Sending this Rakhi through the airwaves, but my heart is right there with you. Love you always!' 'I miss our little fights and big laughs. Can't wait to celebrate together next year. Happy Rakhi!' 'The thread is small, but the bond is huge, even if we're in different time zones!' "No matter how far we are, the bond we share is stronger than any distance. Sending love and rakhi hugs!" "Even though I can't tie the rakhi in person, my heart ties it with all the love in the world." 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