The word raksha means protection and bandhan means bond. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between siblings, particularly the relationship between brothers and sisters. The ritual involves sisters tying a protective thread called rakhi around their brothers' wrists, symbolising their love and prayers for their well-being. In return, brothers give gifts and vow to protect their sisters.
Video Credit: My Little Moppet
While the ritual of tying rakhis goes back to ancient India and there are stories from the Mahabharata and from the time when India was ruled by the Mughals and the Rajput, where the sacred thread and its power to create an unbreakable bond have been written about, the festival has evolved with time.
Over the years the rakhi has been made in different designs. They come in all shapes and sizes and these days can even be customised to include a charm or a childhood photo, to make them special. Another new way to make these rakhis special is to make them edible. While various sweet treats are included in a rakhi thali, why not make the rakhi itself edible?These rakhis are made with different food products and edible ingredients.
Nikki Thakker, Founder & CEO, Entisi Chocolatier sees edible rakhis as a trend that’s swiftly picking up. “Edible rakhis have gained immense popularity, especially among those looking to add a unique and delicious twist to their Raksha Bandhan celebrations. At Entisi, we’ve seen a significant rise in demand for our chocolate rakhis and Rakhi related nostalgic concepts,” she says. Vinayak Shah, Chef & Founder of FoodCraft Hospitality agrees. “Edible rakhis are sustainable alternatives to traditional rakhis. They combine the sentiment of the festival with a sweet treat and are particularly popular among kids and those who enjoy experimenting with food.”
What Are The Common Ingredients Used To Make Edible Rakhis?
“Edible rakhis can be made using a variety of ingredients depending on the desired flavour and texture,” says Shah. Some common ingredients include:
Chocolate: Melted chocolate can be moulded into rakhi shapes and decorated with nuts, dried fruits, or edible glitter.
Fondant: This sugar paste can be shaped and coloured to create intricate designs.
Marzipan: A mix of almond meal and sugar, marzipan is perfect for creating delicate and flavourful rakhis.
Cookies and Biscuits: These can be shaped into rakhi forms and decorated with icing or edible decorations.
Candies: Using gummy candies or other sweets, rakhis can be crafted into colourful and playful designs.
Tips To Keep In Mind While Making Edible Rakhis
“When making edible rakhis, start by choosing a solid base such as chocolate or praline or marzipan. Shape the base into a disc or a more creative design, and then decorate it with edible elements like coloured fondant, sprinkles, or edible glitter. To attach the rakhi string, you can embed it into the chocolate before it hardens, says Thakker.
Shah says that, “for the rakhi string, one should consider using edible options like licorice, or a thin strip of chocolate or sugar paste. If using chocolate or candy, ensure they are set properly by chilling them before handling.”
“Don’t be afraid to mix and match unconventional flavours—sweet, savoury, or spicy. When combining different components, use edible glue or caramel to keep everything intact. Since fusion food is as much about aesthetics as taste, ensure the rakhis are visually appealing with intricate designs. Be mindful of how different elements behave under various temperatures, especially if the rakhi is made with delicate ingredients,” says Manish Bavishi, Founder, Manish Caterers.
Unique Edible Rakhi Flavours
“There are many new flavours that one can work with for edible rakhis. For example, Matcha can be used for a distinct and slightly bitter flavour profile, Saffron and Cardamom are luxurious, Lavender and White Chocolate combine floral notes with sweetness. There’s also Chili Chocolate, which has a spicy kick and works for adventurous taste buds and classics such as sa Salted Caramel,” says Shah.
Entisi Chocolatier does some unusual flavours as well - pistachio and saffron-infused caramel, rose petal and pistachio, and a spiced chai chocolate blend and popcorn praline. “These flavours bring a unique cultural twist to traditional rakhi, making them not just a symbol of love but also a gourmet experience,“ says Thakker.
Customising The Edible Rakhi
Photo Credit: Entisi Chocolatier
“When making customised edible rakhis, attention to detail is crucial. Start with a concept, sketch out your design, and gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. It's important to have steady hands and patience, especially when working with intricate designs.
You can personalise them based on the recipient’s favourite flavours, colours, or even dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or vegan rakhis,” says Bavishi.
“Customisation can also include, using edible ink or fondant letters to spell out names or messages. The colour scheme can be tailored to match a favourite colour. The rakhis can also be made in the shape of symbols, characters, or logos that have special meaning,” he adds.
At Entisi Chocolatier one can find a chocolate slate and chalk box where customers can scribble their own messages or names with the edible chalk.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of edible rakhis can vary depending on the ingredients. Generally, edible rakhis have a shelf life of about one to two weeks if stored in a cool, dry place.Chocolate and fondant rakhis can last up to a month if stored properly, while those made with perishable ingredients such as fresh fruit or cream should be consumed within a few days.
“Those made with preserved or dried components, like spiced nuts or hard candies, can last for a few weeks. On the other hand, rakhis made with fresh ingredients or soft confections like caramel or cream should ideally be consumed within a few days. For fusion ingredients that involve spices or herbs, the flavour may intensify over time, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later,” Bavishi shares.
As far as how well these edible rakhis travel is concerned, Shah points out that, “Edible rakhis can travel well if they are packaged correctly. Chocolates and fondant are sturdy options that can withstand travel, especially if kept in a cool environment. If shipping them, it's essential to use insulated packaging or ice packs to prevent melting. However, delicate ingredients like fresh fruit or soft candy may not travel as well.”
How one stores the edible rakhis is also important. “They should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and strong odours. If the rakhis contain chocolate, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option, but ensure they are brought back to room temperature before use to enjoy the full flavour.” says Thakker.
Edible Rakhis For Your Pets
Edible rakhis are available for pets too. Heads Up for Tails for instance, has a cute rakhi gift combo set for your dog.
Photo Credit: Heads Up For Tails
This includes a stylish red bandhani print brocade bow tie and a Rakhi which features a bone-shaped cookie made with wheat flour, chickpea flour, organic jaggery, eggs, ghee, cheese, hydrolysed vegetable protein and natural preservatives.and a soft thread. The Rakhi thread can be removed before giving the treat to your pet.