Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 21 (ANI): A self-help group in Varanasi is making rakhis using the traditional items ahead of the Raksha Bandhan festival.

Under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission, women living in Meerapur Basahi, Varanasi are ignoring the imported items and are using household items to make rakhis this year.

Also Read | Government Amends Export Policy Of PPE Kits & Masks; Export of Medical Coverall And Face Shields Not Permitted.

They are making the rakhis using Rudraksha, earthen beads, rose and raksha sutra.

Project Director, Jaya Singh of the District Urban Development Agency told ANI, "This is an effort to support Prime Minister's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission."

Also Read | Haryana Govt Decides to Designate 1 Central Jail & 3 District Jails as Special Jails For Mail Prisoners Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases: Live News Breaking and Coronavirus Updates on July 21, 2020.

"We have already distributed around 5,000 rakhis and we are now aiming to make 50,000 more, Singh said.

These women have pledged to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with their brothers by tying homemade rakhis on their wrists.

This SHG has also decided to make colours and gulal during Holi, Ganesh idol for Ganesh Chaturthi and even Karva Chauth thalis, she added. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)