PRAYAGRAJ, Aug. 20 -- More than one lakh eco-friendly rakhis handmade by women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) linked to the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) are set to adorn the wrists of brothers in Prayagraj this Raksha Bandhan.

The rakhis, made from cotton yarn and coloured using natural dyes extracted from flowers and leaves, are being promoted as an alternative to those made from plastic, synthetic and other non-biodegradable materials. The women have also ensured that no chemicals or materials that harm the skin are used in making the rakhis, officials said.

Poonam Singh, a member of the Bhavini self-help group associated with DUDA, said all women in her group were preparing rakhis for Raksha Bandhan. "We are maki...