Agartala, Sept 9: In a remarkable blend of tradition, sustainability, and women empowerment, Self-Help Group (SHG) members in Matabari, Gomati district, have launched an innovative project to recycle floral offerings from the sacred Tripurasundari Mandir into incense sticks.

The initiative, which falls under the Non-Farm Livelihood framework, not only addresses the issue of temple waste management but also creates fresh avenues of income for local women. By turning discarded flowers into agarbatti, the SHG Didis are transforming what was once waste into a product of cultural and economic value.

To strengthen this effort, a Non-Farm Collective (NFC) is being established. This collective will act as a central hub—collecting temple flowers, producing and packaging incense sticks, branding the product, and ensuring wider market linkages. The focus on business promotion will help the initiative grow beyond the local community.

Currently, 30 SHG members under BMMU Matabari are engaged in this project. For them, the work is more than livelihood—it symbolizes dignity, empowerment, and eco-conscious devotion.

The Matabari model showcases how grassroots innovation can preserve the sanctity of rituals while supporting sustainable practices. With women at the helm, the initiative is fast emerging as a beacon of green entrepreneurship in Tripura.