Make way for cheesy synthetic rakhis because your sibling’s wrist is getting a ‘green’ style upgrade! Rakhi makers are upping their game and combining fashion with sustainability through eco-friendly and designer rakhis. Think rakhis made from recycled paper, plantable seeds, organic cotton and even hand-painted designs. Some rakhis can even bloom into flowers after the festival!
And the tradition is no longer reserved for brothers and sisters. Today, anyone can receive a Rakhi – whether it’s a best friend, a cousin or a partner. “I think it’s great how Raksha Bandhan has evolved and now includes more people,” says Deepti Tiwari, a chartered accountant from Mumbai.
Rakhi Plantation
The eco-friendly rakhi movement is having a huge impact. More and more people are embracing sustainability and rakhi makers have responded with a wide range of eco-friendly options. The plantable rakhi is a huge hit. After Raksha Bandhan, you can simply plant these rakhi in soil and they will grow into flowers or herbs. Sachin Bansal, founder of sustainable brand CraftVatika based in Jaipur, says, “Our aim was to design rakhi inspired by traditional Indian handicrafts to replace the plastic rakhi that were often made in China. Working with local artisans from self-sufficient communities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, we brought these rakhi to life.”
Tiwari found this to be a novel concept that offered the convenience of a rakhi plantation. “It came with all the necessary products and was hassle-free as planter, seeds etc. were all there,” she adds.
Designer Rakhis
Designer rakhis are all the rage and combine luxury and creativity with a dash of personal touch. Anjali Digrari, PR representative at Indian Gift Portal (IGP.com), says they use silk threads, semi-precious stones, kundan, polki, pearls, handwoven threads and intricate embroidery to make their handcrafted designer rakhis. This trend is benefiting local artists and artisans. These designer rakhis are Instagram-worthy and have become a fashion statement.
Personalization is key. Whether you add initials or choose a color palette that matches your bond, a personalized rakhi ensures that no two are the same. “Customers appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into matching rakhis for brothers and sisters, which adds a fun and memorable element to the celebration,” adds Digrari.
Style & Sustainability
Made from biodegradable materials like seed paper, terracotta and vegetable dyes, these plantable rakhis not only help reduce waste but also give back to the earth. It’s a simple yet powerful way to add a meaningful layer to tradition.
These materials create elegant and earthy designs that honor both tradition and nature. “The idea of a plantable rakhi really struck me,” says Subhedar, who decided to make the switch this year. “It’s such a cool concept – my brother gets a rakhi and then we get a plant. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.”
However, Tiwari’s attempt did not yield the desired result. “I bought about six rakhis, but not much grew. We got a few small leaves, but their growth did not sustain. I think the planter was just too small.”
Many eco-friendly rakhis are made in collaboration with local artisans. Leftover textiles, beads and embellishments that would otherwise have gone to waste are now made into stunning rakhis. This not only reduces waste but also gives new life to old materials, reinforcing the idea of sustainability.
Whether your Rakhi blossoms into a flower or is just a fleeting fashion moment, the sentiment ultimately remains the same: love, protection and a bit of personal flair. So, why not tie a small eco-friendly Rakhi this Raksha Bandhan? After all, if your bond can grow, why can’t your Rakhi too?
Environmentally friendly bonds
Demand for plantable Rakhis increased by 50% compared to last year (The Better India (2021)
44% of Indian consumers prefer eco-friendly, sustainable products, especially Rakhis (YouGov survey)
At the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair Spring 2023, there was a 30% increase in sustainable and eco-friendly products, especially Rakhis
I love how Raksha Bandhan has evolved into a more inclusive festival.” – Deepti Tiwari, CA, Mumbai
Customers appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into curating matching Rakhis for brothers and sisters.” – Anjali Digrari, PR Representative, Indian Gift Portal (IGP.com)
Our aim is to design Rakhis inspired by traditional Indian craftsmanship and replace plastic Rakhis.” — Sachin Bansal, Founder, CraftVatika
