As the vibrant festival of Deepavali draws near, the anticipation of exchanging gifts fills the air. This year, the traditional act of gifting is being elevated, with a focus on conscious consumerism and a heartfelt connection to local craftsmanship. These gifts are not just tokens of appreciation but are thoughtfully curated hampers that encapsulate the spirit of Deepavali while supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices. From handcrafted chocolates to eco-friendly cosmetics and artisanal handicrafts, these gift hampers promise to add a touch of elegance and sustainability to the festivities.
One notable offering comes from Dhanak Naturals, a brand synonymous with eco-conscious self-care products. Their Deepavali hampers are designed not just to pamper but also to send a strong message about caring for the planet. Each product is meticulously crafted from natural ingredients, ensuring they are both kind to the skin and environmentally friendly. These hampers are thoughtfully packaged in biodegradable materials, wrapped in upcycled cloth bags, to minimize waste. The collection includes items like coconut shell key chains, handmade soaps, body butter made from coconut, lip balms in a variety of natural fragrances such as passionfruit, grapefruit, and lavender, along with neem wood soaps and bamboo toothbrushes. “Sustainable hampers represent more than just a fleeting trend; they embody a conscious shift towards mindful gifting practices,” explains Asawari Mathur, the visionary behind Dhanak Naturals. Each hamper allows consumers to veer away from the pitfalls of single-use plastics and excessive packaging, offering customized options to fit personal tastes and preferences.
A heartwarming initiative is also being led by the Prajwal Vani Welfare Society, an NGO based in Visakhapatnam. Here, a group of 35 differently-abled children are joining the Deepavali festivities by adorning deepams. These deepams, which form an essential part of specialized Deepavali hampers, are beautifully painted by children with intellectual disabilities, demonstrating how creativity and determination can shine through adversity. This initiative is part of the Visakha Kushi Project, which has been operating for several years. “Involving the children in creating these diyas serves multiple purposes; it not only beautifies our homes for Deepavali but also aids in enhancing the children’s motor skills and unleashing their creativity,” states KVL Suchitra, the founder of Prajwal Vani Welfare Society.
. The products such as candles, intricately shaped deepam candles, and handpainted decorations by these children symbolize empowerment and support for self-employment. On the auspicious day of Dhanteras, the proceeds from sales are graciously handed over to the families of these children, making these hampers even more special.
Prajwal Vani’s thoughtfully crafted products are available at CMR Central and at their center in Akkayyapalem, with plans for a stall at Beach Road opposite Kali Temple in Visakhapatnam.
Similarly, Sankalp Art Village (SAV) remains a frontrunner in promoting sustainable gifting habits. The organization has curated a diverse selection of Deepavali hampers that reflect the principles of conscious living. These carefully assembled hampers feature handspun, naturally dyed handkerchiefs, Etikoppaka products, and laddus made from millet and dry fruits. SAV’s creative design head, Jameelya Akula, shares, “A corporate client’s request for sustainable hampers sparked the idea of including natural dyed cotton handkerchiefs and deepams, paired with delicious protein laddus.” SAV’s Deepavali hampers offer tealight candle holders made from eco-friendly materials, and are a thoughtful gift for anyone looking to celebrate the festival with a nod to sustainability.
Meanwhile, Gulab Tribe’s Deepavali offerings include traditional handiwork like Cherial coasters, inspired by the famous Cherial scrolls of Telangana, celebrated for their storytelling expertise. Their hampers also showcase Etikoppaka figures, traditional wooden toys from Andhra Pradesh dyed with natural colors, which help sustain a time-honored craft. Another unique feature is their coconut shell candleholders, providing an innovative and rustic twist on standard decorative items.
To cater to those with a sweet tooth, Dark Love presents a sumptuous array of artisanal chocolates, nuts, and brownies. Infusing tradition with a modern twist, their motichoor laddus are reimagined with a creamy cheesecake center, offering a delightful fusion. Their products are packaged in a sustainable, plastic-free manner, further promoting their commitment to conscious gifting during Deepavali. As Deepavali approaches, these thoughtfully curated hampers highlight the joy of giving, embracing tradition while cherishing sustainable values.
