Nabarangpur, Aug. 21 (UDN): As Raksha Purnima draws near, a group of rural artisans in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district is giving the traditional rakhi a distinctive local identity by crafting it from paddy grains. The eco-friendly creations, rooted in a decades-old folk art, are now finding buyers beyond the district and gaining popularity across Odisha through social media and local exhibitions.
The handcrafted rakhis are made by the Dhanalakshmi Producer Group, a collective of around ten artisans from Limbhatta village in Kosagumuda block. What was once a traditional paddy craft has evolved into a seasonal source of income, helping rural artisans showcase their skills while preserving a unique cultural heritage.
From paddy fields to festive threads
Each rakhi is carefully handcrafted through a meticulous process. Artisans first select paddy grains, dye them in bright yellow shades, and dry them before weaving them with colourful threads around thin bamboo strips. The result is a range of intricate designs that blend tradition with creativity.
Beyond rakhis, the group also produces decorative handicrafts featuring Lord Jagannath, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Kali and Goddess Durga, along with conch shells, flower vases, and figures of birds and animals made entirely from paddy grains.
A craft nurtured over generations
The art has been preserved through generations of artisans in the village. Veteran craftsman Sadashiva Munda, who learned the technique nearly 35 years ago, later trained his son and daughter-in-law, ensuring that the painstaking craft continues to thrive within the family.
Today, each grain is placed by hand to create detailed patterns, making every product a reflection of patience and precision.
Rising demand boosts rural incomes
The handcrafted rakhis are priced between Rs 50 and Rs 250, making them an affordable yet distinctive festive gift. Over the past two years, photographs shared online have helped the products reach customers in other districts, leading to a steady increase in orders and improving earnings for the artisan group.
An ORMAS sales stall is also expected to open in the district soon, providing another platform for the artisans to market their products.
Hope for greater support
Despite the growing recognition, artisans say they need stronger institutional support to expand their craft. They have urged the administration to promote paddy-grain handicrafts more actively and create better marketing opportunities.
Responding to their concerns, the local Block Development Officer (BDO) said a common facility centre worth Rs 20 lakh will be built, giving artisans a dedicated workspace to produce and develop their handicrafts collectively.
With demand continuing to grow, Nabarangpur’s paddy-grain rakhis are emerging as more than just festive accessories—they are becoming symbols of Odisha’s traditional craftsmanship and the resilience of rural livelihoods.