Susner (Madhya Pradesh): To celebrate the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, a man from Susner crafted an eco-friendly rakhi made from cow dung and tulsi seeds.
Moving beyond silk and cotton threads, Rakesh Sharma, founder of ‘Shri Krishna Vaighraj Gomay Products in Susner, made an innovative Gomay Rakhi.
The Gomay Rakhis are not only biodegradable but also infused with basil (tulsi) seeds. Once the rakhi has served its festive purpose, instead of discarding it, families can plant it in soil where it will sprout into a tulsi plant.
This initiative links the emotional bond of siblings with a deeper connection to nature.
Tulsi from a rakhi - a growing symbol of love
Rakesh Sharma explains the idea behind the innovation: "Most rakhis end up in the trash after the festival, losing their emotional and spiritual value. We wanted to change that narrative.
By embedding tulsi seeds into rakhis made from cow dung and using natural, water-based colours instead of harmful chemicals, we have created a product that continues to grow even after the festival ends."
These handmade rakhis are entirely safe for the environment, being made from organic materials and natural dyes.
Cow dung rakhi offers radiation shield too: Beyond its ecological advantages, the rakhi also has scientific benefits. Sharma claims that cow dung naturally resists harmful radiation.
Nationwide demand: The ‘Gomay Product Manufacturing Centre’ located on Jamuniya Road, in Susner, is receiving orders from across India — including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Sharma shared that customers are also connecting through online platforms, and this Raksha Bandhan, two stalls in Susner will sell these eco-friendly rakhis locally.
