1 2 Prayagraj: A group of 10 women have crafted rakhis using cow dung . The demand for these rakhis has increased, particularly in the state’s holy cities like Ayodhya, Mathura, Kashi, and Prayag, with traders’ organisations and NGOs placing orders for rakhis. The women, who are members of a self-help group called Asharani Foundation led by Abha Singh, are making heads turn with their unique designer rakhis made of cow dung and Guar Gum .
They claim that they were inspired to make rakhis from cow dung after learning about the environmental benefits of using natural materials. Cow dung is a natural, biodegradable material that is also known to have antimicrobial properties. Singh said, “We are happy to contribute to a more justifiable way of celebrating Raksha Bandhan this year.
” She, however, added, “Over 500 rakhis made of cow dung and guar gum (a natural binding product from guar beans) have also been provided to sanskar kendra to distribute rakhis among kids living in slums to celebrate the festival.” Finding the creativity and ingenuity of the women, traders’ organisations have also placed orders to support the SHG’s work. The rakhis made by the women are available in a variety of colours and designs.
Singh, meanwhile, said, “Designs like Tiranga, Rocket, Heart, Fish, and Lotus are more in demand among kids. They are also priced affordably, making them a popular choice for people of all budgets.” The SHG’s women are confident that their rakhis will become a more popular choice among shoppers across the state.
The women also believe that these rakhis are a unique way to celebrate the bond between brother and sister. Not many know about the benefits of cow dung. Apart from its medicinal value, designer rakhis made of cow dung, guar gum, and acrylic colour paint are now catching people’s fancy,” said Singh, who imparts training to women from Ballia, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Ayodhya, and Vrindavan.
She said: “It takes time to shape designer rakhis. After drying the dung, the women remove grass and other material from it. Later, it is mixed with guar gum powder.
Then it is set in different moulds. After drying, they are painted to enhance their beauty. .
” The rakhis made by the women are available in a variety of colours and designs, including swastikas, flowers, om symbols, chakras, sriyantras, and other traditional designs. In addition to the traditional designs, the women are also making rakhis with tulsi seeds and flowers embedded in them. This is done with the intention that after the Raksha Bandhan festival, the rakhis can be used as seeds and planted in a pot.
The women say that it takes about three to four days to make a single rakhi..
