The coronavirus pandemic has pulled down the economy of India by severely affecting the businesses. On May 12, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi urged the citizens to support the local business and named the initiative as ‘Vocal For Local’.
Soon after the India-China border dispute in Galwan Valley, Leh, Indians have started boycotting Chinese products and promoting Indian products. Moreover, PM Modi banned 59 Chinese apps in India as a part of the Digital Strike in China.
As the festival of Raksha Bandhan is around the corner and with the rise of ‘Vocal for Local’ and boycotting the Chinese products, a group of lesser-known yet highly talented women of Himachal Pradesh, popularly known on social media as The Unique Pahadans have come up with beautiful and traditional designs of Rakhis using the local handicrafts. The core team of women working with Unbox Himachal Valley is located in District Sirmaur, Kullu, Shimla, Chamba and Kangra. The rakhis are woven and hand-stitched. All the materials used in the rakhi-making are environment friendly.
As reported by The News Himachal, the creative idea of rakhi-making came to Amrita Bhasin last year, and she got the copyright of her idea.
Bhasin, the founder of a Shimla based cultural community named ‘Fursat Se’, is the Idea Designer of Unbox Himachal Valley. She intends to create eco-friendly products for every household. Apart from designing products and creating ideas with Unbox Himachal Valley, she conducts open mic, poetry workshops, art exhibitions, theatre workshops, mental health workshops, Food walks, and meet-ups for startups and budding entrepreneurs in Shimla under Fursat Se.
Himachal Pradesh is rich in culture and famous for its varieties of handicrafts. According to Amrita Bhasin, the prime aim of the rakhi-making idea is to promote local handicrafts to the world and empower the women of the state. This local business is working from home and create whatever they can with the eco-friendly materials.
The festival of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi holds a lot of importance in India and among Hindus across the globe. On this day, Sisters tie a sacred thread or a colourful special band, rightly called the ‘Rakhi’ on their brothers’ wrist as a mark of affection, sisterly love, and sublime sentiments. Raksha Bandhan 2020 will be celebrated on August 3.
