Odisha Women Craft Eco-Friendly Rakhis for Security Forces on Raksha Bandhan

A group of women from Odisha's Ganjam district crafted 550 eco-friendly rakhis using food grains and biodegradable materials. These were sent to security personnel involved in anti-Maoist operations and other local heroes for Raksha Bandhan. This initiative aims to promote environmental awareness while celebrating the festival.

A group of women from Odisha's Ganjam district have created eco-friendly rakhis and sent them to security personnel in anti-Maoist operations to wear on Raksha Bandhan day on Monday.

Around 25 members of the women's wing of Kalinga Vysya Sangha in Mundamarai near Aska crafted about 550 innovative rakhis using food grains and other biodegradable materials. ''We have already sent around 500 rakhis to jawans, and another 50 to local employees like police, healthcare officials, and firefighters,'' said Roja Subudhi, president of the women's wing.

''Our aim is to create something unique, eco-friendly, and sustainable. Besides strengthening bonds, these rakhis connect us to nature,'' added Subudhi. The initiative also conveys environmental awareness. Members sourced materials from their homes, using food grains and natural colors, avoiding plastics. ''Our aim is not to sell but to distribute these rakhis among our saviors,'' said Sasmita Subudhi, cashier of the association. This marks their third year of making such rakhis but with an increased quantity this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)