Bihaan women are moving towards self-reliance by making Rakhi at low cost

Creative use of domestic and local resources, seasonal activities enhance livelihood base

Raipur, August 23, 2026 / By joining the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission "Bihan," rural women are becoming economically empowered and self-reliant by adopting various livelihood activities through groups. The women of the Jai Maa Durga Self Help Group of Kishun Nagar Gram Panchayat, Ambikapur Development Block, Surguja District, have also emerged as an inspiring example of this change. The women of the group are creating new income opportunities by selecting seasonal activities according to the weather and festivals.

In anticipation of Rakshabandhan, the women of the group are crafting attractive rakhis using household materials and local resources. Beautiful rakhis are created by coloring and decorating rice, wheat, corn, and gourd seeds, among other materials. Silk thread, wool, and other decorative materials are purchased from the market as needed. This keeps the production costs of the rakhis low and provides women with an opportunity to earn a better income.

12 women together saved their livelihood

Group member Ms. Sonali Singh explained that the Jai Maa Durga Self Help Group comprises 12 women. Together, the members conduct livelihood activities tailored to different seasons and festivals. Currently, they are engaged in the production of Rakhi. The finished Rakhis are being sold through stalls at various locations and from home.

She explained that before joining the Bihan Scheme, the women had limited sources of income. After joining the self-help group, they received training, programs, and opportunities to participate in various livelihood activities. This boosted their self-confidence, and they began to actively participate in economic activities.

Attractive Rakhis made from household materials

Ms. Deepti Chaudhary, a member of the group, explains that household materials are used in the making of rakhis. Old seeds, rice, wheat, and corn grains are dyed attractively and created into various designs. Silk thread, wool, and other decorative materials are also used to give the rakhis an attractive look.

The women in the group gather together in their spare time to craft rakhis. Production is also increased during festivals as demand increases. The finished rakhis are sold through small stalls in the market and from their homes. In this way, the women are turning their skills into a source of income while juggling family responsibilities.

Women involved in seasonal activities for three years

Group member Ms. Asha Ravi explained that the women in the group have been making Rakhis from low-cost household materials for the past three years. All the women in the group participate in this work together. She added that after joining the Bihan Yojana, they have had the opportunity to engage in various employment and livelihood activities.

She explained that joining the group has given women the opportunity to learn new activities, participate in economic activities outside their homes, and create their own identities. This has helped build women's self-confidence and strengthen their families' financial situation.

Seasonal activities change, increasing income opportunities

The women of the Jai Maa Durga Self Help Group choose different activities throughout the year, depending on the seasons and festivals. This provides them with multiple income opportunities, rather than relying solely on a single occupation. Working together through the group also provides support in production, training, marketing, and sales.

Activities like Rakhi making have given women the opportunity to create low-cost products using resources available at home and nearby, and then generate income by marketing them. This initiative is promoting women's entrepreneurship while also making better use of local resources.