In the Hooghly district—particularly in areas such as Bhadreswar, Singur, and Haripal—Rakhi production has emerged as a thriving cottage industry, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern trends. Local women play a crucial role in producing a wide variety of rakhis, ranging from simple thread rakhis to intricate stone-studded and designer versions, often using locally sourced materials.
In many rural households, women have taken up rakhi-making as a means to support their families, while their husbands work in agricultural fields.
Bhadreswar has become a hub for rakhi raw material suppliers, providing essential components like threads, beads, sequins, and decorative elements to support the industry.
Women such as Sanchita Dey, Chaya Dey, Bithika Roy, Mamoni Roy, Laxmi Rani Roy, and others proudly state: “We are self-employed in our small-scale rakhi cottage industry. Each of us makes more than ten lakh rakhis a year, which earns us around Rs 30,000 annually.”
With growing awareness about environmental protection, the demand for eco-friendly rakhis made from biodegradable materials is on the rise. Popular ingredients include cotton, jute, bamboo, clay, and even seeds.
Fast-colour threads and cotton rakhi materials are made from organic cotton, hand-spun on the charkha, (spinning wheel) by women artisans in villages. The threads are dyed using natural substances like turmeric and madder root.
Celebrating an eco-friendly Raksha Bandhan not only supports better health and a cleaner environment but also encourages sustainable practices.
This small-scale rakhi-making cottage industry significantly contributes to the local economy by generating employment and supporting small businesses. From raw material procurement to the final product, the process provides livelihood opportunities to many in the region.
The rakhi cottage industry run by women in rural households stands as a shining example of women’s empowerment in the district.