Move over tacky synthetic rakhis because your sibling’s wrist is getting a ‘green’ style upgrade! Rakhi-makers are stepping up their game, blending 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 isn’t just for brothers and sisters anymore.

Today, anyone can be on the receiving end of a rakhi—whether it’s your best friend, cousin, or partner. “I love how Raksha Bandhan has evolved to be more inclusive,” says Deepti Tiwari, a Mumbai-based Chartered Accountant. The eco-friendly rakhi movement is making a massive impact.

More people are embracing sustainability and rakhi-makers have responded with a wide range of eco-friendly options. The plantable rakhi is a big hit. After Raksha Bandhan, you can simply plant these rakhis in soil, and they will grow into flowers or herbs.

Sachin Bansal, founder of a Jaipur-based sustainable brand, CraftVatika, says, “We aimed to design rakhis inspired by traditional Indian handicrafts to replace plastic ones that were often made in China. Collaborating with local artisans from self-sustaining communities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, we brought these rakhis to life.” Tiwari found this as a novel concept with the convenience of rakhi plantation.

“It came with all the necessary products and was hassle-free since the plante.