Ranchi: Handmade rakhis crafted by members of self-help groups (SHGs) are reaching customers’ doorsteps in parts of the state for Raksha Bandhan, opening up a wider festive market for rural entrepreneurs.Supported by the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) and district administrations, the initiative connects women producers directly with buyers and helps them secure better prices for their products.In Ranchi, customers can place orders with Palash Mart in Hehal. Home delivery is also available in Chaibasa and Chakradharpur in West Singhbhum for purchases above Rs 150. The district administration has released block-wise contact numbers to facilitate orders from other areas.Under Project Badlaav, JSLPS-backed women’s groups have set up rakhi stalls across West Singhbhum. Festive packages priced at Rs 60, Rs 120 and Rs 150 include handmade rakhis, kumkum, arwa rice, laddus and gift hampers. The stalls have been opened near the district collectorate, sub-divisional office and block offices.The festive push has spread to Simdega, Ramgarh, Chatra and Seraikela-Kharsawan. In Ramgarh, rakhis are being marketed under the Adiva brand, while sakhi mandal members have set up dedicated stalls in the other districts.“We are promoting rakhis made by women through Palash Mart canopies and other outlets across districts to improve visibility, ensure better prices and strengthen market access,” JSLPS CEO Ananya Mittal said.Mittal added that the society was exploring more avenues to expand the market and boost sales of products made by women-led rural enterprises.
