As the joyous festival of Deepavali approaches, the tradition of gifting takes a commanding role, bringing with it the opportunity to spread cheer and warmth. This year, the essence of gifting is imbued with a deeper message—one that celebrates not only the festive spirit but also a commitment to sustainable and conscious living. In Visakhapatnam, several initiatives are making sure that Deepavali gifts reflect a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and eco-friendly practices. From artisanal chocolates to handcrafted deepams, here’s a comprehensive guide to thoughtfully curated hampers that promise to illuminate the celebrations.
One standout option comes from Dhanak Naturals, a brand dedicated to natural and sustainable products. Their festive hampers, an ode to mindful gifting, feature an impressive array of self-care goods. Made with natural ingredients, these items are not only gentle on the skin but also on the environment. The hampers are free from harsh chemicals and synthetics and come elegantly wrapped in biodegradable materials, often using upcycled cloth bags as a finishing touch. Each hamper could include items like coconut shell key chains, soy wax candles, and bamboo toothbrushes. Asawari Mathur, founder of Dhanak Naturals, emphasizes the importance of moving away from the ecological footprint of conventional gifting, presenting a more responsible alternative that can be tailored to personal preferences.
Adding to the diverse collection of Deepavali hampers is the heartfelt initiative by Prajwal Vani Welfare Society, a Visakhapatnam-based NGO. Here, a group of 35 differently-abled children have found a creative outlet that also encourages artistic growth. These children, diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, engage in painting and decorating deepams, each a unique testament to their perseverance. This initiative is not merely about festive decorations; it provides an empowering experience for the young participants, as articulated by KVL Suchitra, the society’s founder. She shares that this activity is pivotal in fostering creativity and enhancing motor skills, while also offering insights into entrepreneurship as the children hand over proceeds from sales to their parents during Dhanteras.
. These deepams and the love put into crafting them add a special touch to any Diwali gift.
For those seeking an element of traditional artistry in their hampers, the contributions from Sankalp Art Village (SAV) are noteworthy. Situated in Pendurthi near Visakhapatnam, SAV has carved a niche in sustainable gifting. This year, their Deepavali hampers are infused with cultural richness and conscious consumption. Each hamper includes naturally-dyed handspun handkerchiefs, Etikoppaka products which are renowned handmade toys from Andhra Pradesh, and nutritious millet and dry fruit laddus. A collaboration with a cotton corporate company helped push the initiative’s reach, ensuring the inclusion of hand-dyed cotton products and protein-laden snacks.
The Gulab Tribe also adds a unique charm to the festive offerings. With Deepavali hampers that incorporate Cherial coasters inspired by Telangana’s storytelling scrolls and wooden Etikoppaka figures, they maintain a legacy of creativity and tradition. Their commitment to preserving crafts manifests in their coconut shell candleholders, providing not only a decorative element but also an eco-friendly alternative that honors the essence of sustainable gifting.
Lastly, what would a celebration be without sweets? Dark Love brings a decadent twist to traditional sugary delights. This year, their artisanal selection includes a motichoor laddu cheesecake—a fusion of classic and contemporary tastes sure to surprise and delight. Almond rocks, pistachio cranberry truffles, and assorted nuts seasoned with Thai flavors are some of the exquisite offerings that come beautifully packaged without plastic, underscoring the brand’s dedication to eco-friendly practices.
As Deepavali lights up homes and hearts across Visakhapatnam, these thoughtfully curated hampers provide not just gifts, but experiences that honor the festival’s cultural roots while embracing a modern commitment to sustainability. It’s a season of brightness, empathy, and renewed commitment to nurturing our planet and communities, one conscious gift at a time.
