‘Paper kite gift kit’ infused with seeds adding magical green twist to Makar Sankranti

Designed in the shape of a kite, the sustainable paper kit is infused with Tulsi (basil) and marigold seeds and contains biodegradable haldi-kumkum (turmeric and vermilion) shells made of vegetable protein. But what makes the Araatrika gift kit even more refreshing and eco-friendly is that once it is thrown out, the seeds infused in the paper would germinate into saplings, says the startup founder Jagruti Jain.

At the time of the festival, also marked by kite-flying, Sankranti gift boxes containing sesame seeds, haldi-kumkum, sweets and dry fruits are exchanged, signifying social bonding.

“Rampant use of plastic and synthetic materials as gift boxes during Sankranti has been increasing the carbon footprint. To address this we have designed Tulsi seed-infused ‘plantable kites’ which can be planted after use. The bio-degradable haldi-kumkum shells dissolve in water and are crafted to prevent littering of plastic containers. These pocket-friendly green products can be used as a giveaway alternative,” claims Jain, an architect-turned-eco-entrepreneur,

Araatrika was started in 2017 to promote sustainable living through eco-friendly products. “To encourage ‘vocal for local’ all our products are made in-house. The production is carried out majorly by women from Pune’s under-sourced communities who work from their homes,” notes Jain, explaining her commitment towards reducing carbon footprint.

Araatrika also has other customisable eco-friendly products such as seed pencils, upcycled diaries, seed raakhis, calendars with plantable papers, khunn toran and zero-waste birthday gifts among others.

Sankranti traditions

Makar Sankranti is celebrated as a harvest festival that marks the transition of the Sun into the Capricorn zodiac (Makara Rashi). It marks the end of winter and the start of longer days with the Sun moving northwards. The celebrations are deeply rooted in traditions, such as the exchange of sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gud), kite flying and ‘haldi-kumkum’ gatherings, where married women exchange turmeric and vermillion powder as a gesture of goodwill and social bonding.

Shubham Kurale is an intern at The Indian Express