Don’t throw your rakhi, grow it in a pot instead

A Jaipur-based startup has developed ‘seed rakhi’ with the help of self-help groups in Pali district. These organic rakhis will have a seed surrounded with cotton, and will decompose when put in a pot.

This Raksha Bandhan, send a green message along with tying a rakhi on your brother’s wrist.

The rakhi comprises seeds of amaltas, sunflower, marigold, sandalwood and cotton.

A Jaipur-based startup has developed a ‘seed rakhi’ with the help of self-help groups from Pali district. These organic rakhis will have a seed surrounded with cotton, and will germinate once put in a pot.

The seed rakhi comes in a kit which includes a rakhi, coco peat manure, planter, a card with a message to save the environment and an instruction book in a handmade box.

The kit costs between Rs 300 and Rs 350, depending on the type of seed. The rakhi is available online on sites such as Amazon and Flipkart and their own website www.seedrakhi.com.

The rakhi comprises seeds of amaltas, sunflower, marigold, sandalwood and cotton.

Once the day of Raksha Bandhan is over, the rakhi can be planted in a pot or planter, and by pouring a glass of water on the cotton on a daily basis it decomposes and the seeds will germinate and slowly becomes a plant.

By planting rakhi in a pot or planter, and by pouring a glass of water on the cotton on a daily basis, it will start decomposing itself in soil and the seeds will start to germinate and slowly become a plant.

“The idea came in our mind a year ago. We were looking for an alternative to buying fancy rakhis made from plastic beads, toxic metal threads and artificial fragrances which pollutes the earth,” said Nitin Jain, co-founder of Indibni, which is selling the rakhis.

“It is a thoughtful herbal product which is suitable for infants and children and is free from harsh chemicals that may harm a child’s delicate skin. This eco-friendly rakhi will not only strengthen the brother-sister bond but will also empower SHG women,” added Jain.

Shanti Devi, who works at a self-help group in Jaitaran, a tehsil in Pali district, told HT over the phone that they made fancy rakhis using plastic and other artificial materials. “This group (Indibni) approached us in February to collaborate in creating this eco-friendly product. They also trained us in crafting seed rakhis,” she said.

“Initially, we experimented with almost 20 types of seeds and were successful in nearly five. The women who have contributed to this product feel that we have not only earned money via fair trade but have also contributed towards the environment,” added Devi.

“The concept is unique, loved the designs which is reasonably priced. My brothers never liked those sparkling rakhis which they can’t tie for more than an hour. So, I was looking for something more comfortable and this was perfect. I know they are going to love the concept of growing a sapling from the rakhi,” said Shipra Baheti, a buyer.