Making Rakhi Sustainable

Hinduism has always demonstrated immense respect for the environment. Hindus view the Earth as a mother figure and see humanity as connected to nature rather than separate from it. They celebrate Pongal, the harvest festival, and Vasant Panchami, which welcomes spring and marks the arrival of mustard flowers by wearing yellow. It is no wonder that they constantly seek ways to ensure Mother Earth’s wellbeing, particularly within their way of life. This extends to Hinduism’s numerous festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri. During Diwali, Hindus opt for traditional clay diyas instead of plastic ones, use solar-powered lights, and create natural rangolis—beautiful patterns outside homes made of flower petals—celebrating the festival of light in an environmentally conscious way. In Holi, natural colours are used, generating minimal plastic and water waste.

Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is another key Hindu tradition celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. A widely observed event where sisters tie elegant threads around their brothers’ wrists, even one family’s celebration can involve numerous synthetic threads, beads, and plastic packaging. Plastics are primarily used due to low costs and easy availability, making mass production viable for companies. However, these materials can take hundreds of years to decompose, generating significant waste and filling landfills. When burned, they release irritants like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur, and even carcinogens such as benzene.

Switching to eco-friendly threads—or rakhis—is therefore essential to uphold this sacred tradition while being mindful of its environmental impact. Rakhis can be made from cotton or silk, recycled paper, or jewellery, with flowers, seeds, and herbs as ornaments. This makes them far more biodegradable and opens opportunities for local artisans compared to large organisations using unsustainable mass production. With these new materials, rakhi production can become more creative, offering innovative designs to consumers. Once used, these rakhis can be reused or discarded with no negative impact on the environment.

Yet, the issue of cost remains. Supporting local artisans in the name of sustainability may reduce mass production and increase prices. If this poses a challenge, eco-friendly rakhis are also easy to make at home! Apply seeds, dried flowers, and paper scrap ornaments onto a cotton or jute base, creating a fun and creative project to celebrate the festival.

When sending rakhis to loved ones, remember that packaging should be sustainable too. Cloth bags and other reusable containers work best instead of plastics and disposable materials. Biodegradable options include twine ribbons, cornstarch-based bubble wrap, or glass containers. The goal is a fully eco-friendly rakhi, represented by a commitment to plastic-free products and packaging.

Dakshini Prayash’s online shop offers rakhis aligned with its sustainability pillar. Several designs use cloth and silk with artistic flair. Bird rakhis incorporate medium density fiberboard (MDF), an eco-friendly material made from recycled wood fibers, to create meticulous cut-outs. Mirror rakhis use small glass fragments to decorate the threads. Crochet rakhi sets feature handmade flowers crafted by the self-reliance team. Products are wrapped in gold tissue fabric, a sustainable and elegant packaging material. By purchasing here, you receive eco-friendly, aesthetic rakhis that support the self-reliance team and the NGO’s overall operations.

These rakhis can also serve as bag charms and tassels, demonstrating versatility and reusability. Dakshini Prayash recognises that a fully sustainable Raksha Bandhan also requires eco-friendly tableware, including silk pocket squares with creative patterns, jute table mats, cotton napkins, and paper envelopes—all handmade.

With unsustainable practices on the decline, our beloved Hindu festivals don’t need to disappear. By making a few mindful changes, we can protect Mother Earth while preserving our culture and traditions. Let’s make Raksha Bandhan 2025 truly sustainable!

-Rahul Sameer