As the festival of Deepavali draws near, the age-old tradition of gifting transforms into an art form, with a focus on spreading joy through meaningful and thoughtful presents. The essence of the festival — which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness — is beautifully captured in gifts that not only evoke festive cheer but also promote sustainable and conscious living. Emphasizing local craftsmanship and natural products, this year sees an array of curated hampers that promise to enrich the celebrations for the people of Visakhapatnam.
One standout in this year’s lineup of sustainable gifting options comes from Dhanak Naturals. Renowned for their commitment to natural and eco-friendly products, Dhanak Naturals offers hampers filled with items that are as kind to the earth as they are to the skin. Free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, each product is packaged in biodegradable materials and cloth bags crafted from upcycled fabric. Inside these environmentally conscious hampers, recipients will find coconut shell key chains, aromatic soaps, body butter, lip balms in scents like passionfruit and lavender, soy wax candles housed in coconut shells, neem wood soap, and bamboo toothbrushes. “Sustainable hampers aren’t just a trend; they reflect a growing awareness about the ecological footprint of traditional gifting practices,” says Asawari Mathur, the founder of Dhanak Naturals. These hampers can also be tailored to individual preferences, shifting away from single-use plastics, excessive packaging, and mass-produced goods.
In an inspiring initiative, Prajwal Vani Welfare Society, an NGO based in Visakhapatnam, involves 35 differently-abled children in the festive preparations. These children, many of whom have been diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, are showcasing their creativity by decorating ‘deepams’ — traditional oil lamps — which are then included in the special Deepavali hampers. Part of the larger Visakha Kushi Project, this initiative is designed not only to make beautiful items for the festival but also to help the children develop motor skills and explore their creative potential. “Beyond its artistic value, the process empowers the children,” explains KVL Suchitra, the founder of Prajwal Vani Welfare Society. The products include vibrantly hand-painted deepam candles in various shapes and styles.
. The project brings the additional benefit of self-employment, with proceeds from the sales being handed over to the children’s parents on the day of Dhanteras. Prajwal Vani’s products are available for sale at a stall in CMR Central, Maddilapalem, and their center in Akkayyapalem, with plans to expand to Beach Road opposite Kali Temple.
Sankalp Art Village, another frontrunner in sustainability, presents beautifully curated Deepavali hampers this season that reflect principles of mindful consumption. These hampers feature naturally dyed, handspun handkerchiefs, Etikoppaka products, and millet and dry fruit laddus, all made at their Pedagadi center near Pendurthi in Visakhapatnam. Highlighting the evolution of festive gifting, Jameelya Akula, creative design head of SAV, notes the demand for sustainable gift hampers from corporates and individuals alike. These hampers also include tealight candle holders complete with candles.
For those looking to gift a touch of tradition, Gulab Tribe offers an aesthetic selection in their Deepavali hampers. This year’s offerings include Cherial coasters featuring miniature paintings inspired by Telangana’s iconic Cherial scrolls, embodying a rich storytelling ethos. Additionally, their hampers feature the celebrated Etikoppaka wooden toys from Andhra Pradesh, crafted with natural dyes to keep ancient art forms alive. A unique highlight is their coconut shell candle holders, providing a rustic and eco-friendly option for home decor.
Completing the festive hampers are the delectable treats from Dark Love, where the traditional Indian sweet, motichoor laddu, is reinvented with a cheesecake filling, alongside a selection of artisanal chocolates, nuts, and brownies. Including almond rocks, pistachio cranberry truffles, brownie bites, and Thai-flavored assorted nuts, the collection promises to leave a lingering impression with its fusion of flavors, all thoughtfully presented in eco-friendly packaging.
As these meticulously assembled hampers show, the spirit of Deepavali is about illumination and renewal — both external and within. Highlighting sustainable choices, they reflect a deeper commitment to both the earth and the enduring traditions of this joyous festival.
