Topic- Sustainable and Ergonomical Packaging Solution Towards Hindu Worship Rituals (A Case Study of Redefining Community Performance in Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, India).

The research was initiated to identify sustainable alternative to existing recycled plastic packaging of worship offerings (puja) in temples. As a case study Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi was the focal point of the research. In the process the craft clusters in the region were studied and analyzed. The methodology was based on qualitative and naturalistic approach. Moonj grass basketry craft practiced nearby was narrowed down. A pilot design and development activity was conducted to gauge the acceptance of new concepts in the community of craftswomen. The undesirable aspects in the craft clusters were mapped and classified during the process. Strategies were formed to create a consolidated system giving birth to a replicable micro enterprise which collaborates with the temple economy. The research addresses towards awareness, self-empowerment and capacity building of the craftswomen enhancing their performance and making the craft practice professionalized.

Ecological Sustainability, Social Sustenance, Women- Empowerment, Packaging Solution, Capacity Building.

1. Gaur A et al 23 September 2019, “Prasada: Divine Food Offering”, Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia, Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/prasada [06.06.2024]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Choksey D 16.01.2024, ” importance of temple economy and what to expect from Reliance in Q3,” Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/expert-view/deven-choksey- on-importance-of-temple-economy [07.07.2024] [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. 06.06.2024, “PRASHAD Scheme”, Source: https://tourism.gov.in/prashad-scheme [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. 07.2024]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Rathore M 2024, “Estimated daily pilgrims India 2022, by select temple”, Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1371111/india-estimated-daily-pilgrims-by-select-temple/ [07.06.2024] [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Iyer S S, et. al., 2024, “Templenomics, the future of vibrant Bharat (India),” Publisher: Revista de Education, ISSN: 0034-8082. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Purnamawati I G A, et.al., 2023, “Strengthening the role of corporate social responsibility in the dimensions of sustainable village economic development,” Published by: Heliyon, 9(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15115. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Swain G, et. al., 2023, “Puri Jagannath Temple: Navigating the Spiritual Tourism Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges” Published by: International Journal of Research in Humanities & Social Sciences, Vol. 11, Issue 11, https://www.raijmr.com/ijrhs/wpontent/uploads/2024/02 /IJRHS_2023_vol11_issue_11_05.pdf [12th January 2025]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Bhatia J S, 2024, “Temple Economy in India: Driving Local Prosperity and National Progress,” https://in.linkedin.com/in/jatinbhatia7, [12th January 2025]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Shetty J G et.al., 2024, “Analyzing An Impact of Temple Economics on GDP and Creating An Employment Opportunity in Indian Economy,” Published in: International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), E-ISSN: 2582-2160, Volume 6, Issue 4. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Samara T 2007, “Design Elements A Graphic Style Manual”, Publisher: Rockport Publishers, Inc., USA, ISBN-13: 978-1-59253-261-2, ISBN-10: 1-59253-261-6, pp 189-232. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Otto S, et. al., 2021, “Food packaging and sustainability–Consumer perception vs. correlated scientific facts: A review,” Published by: Journal of Cleaner Production, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126733, Volume 298, 126733. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Álvarez-Chávez et. al., 2012, “Sustainability of bio-based plastics: General comparative analysis and recommendations for improvement,” Published by: Journal of Cleaner Production, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.10.003, Volume 23, Issue 1. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Banerjee A and Mazzarella F 2022, “Designing Innovative Craft Enterprises in India: A Framework for Change Makers,” She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sheji.2022.04.001, Volume 8, Issue 2. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. 2025, https://www.fabindia.com/ [2nd June 2025]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Jones C. J 1970, ‘Design Methods’, Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York and Chichester, ISBN 0-471-28496-3, pp 190- 358. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Halder, S et al 2020, “Strategy for bamboo craft in rural and semi-urban central India (a case study from Betul, Central India)”, Journal: Performance Improvement, Publisher: Wiley, USA, Volume: 59 Issue: 9. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Checkland, P 1999,’ Systems Thinking, Systems Practice: Includes a 30-Year Retrospective’, Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition, ISBN-10: 9780471986065, ISBN-13: 978-0471986065. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Bertalanffy, L Von 1968, ‘General System Theory: Foundations, Development, [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Applications’, Publisher: George Braziller, New York. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. 2022, “Temple Pottery – Puri”, Source: https://gaatha.org/Craft-of-India/temple-pottery- puri, [24th July 2024]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. 2020, “Prayagraj Moonj Products”, By One District One Product, Department of MSME and Export Promotion, Uttar Pradesh, Source: https://odopup.in/en/article/district-profile- allahabad [25th July 2024]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. 2024, “Varanasi”, Source: https://varanasi.nic.in/art-craft-varanasi [26.07.2024]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. 2023, “One District One Product”, Source: https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/one-district- one-product-odop [27th July 2024]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. 2022, “One District One Product, Uttar Pradesh”, https://odopup.in/en/page/district-wise- [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. products [27th July 2024]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Sen, A 2000, ‘Development As Freedom’, Publisher: Oxford University Press (Oxford India Paperbacks), ISBN-13: 978-0-19-565526-1, ISBN-10: 0-19-565526-5, pp. 239- 298. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. 2023, “Annual Report 2022-23”, Published by: Government of India, Ministry Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi, Source: https://msme.gov.in/, pp 8-59 [10.08.2024]. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Enhancing Formation Control of Multi Agent Systems Using Ann Based Technique
• Improving Sliding Mode Control with Chattering Reduction using Fuzzy Based Technique
• Cooking Quality, Fasting Blood Glucose, Glycemic Index and Load of High–Fiber Noodles Made from Wheat, Tiger Nut Residue and Cassava Flour Blends
• Matrix Rhythm Therapy Versus Interferential Therapy Combined with Lumbar Stabilization Exercises in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Comparative Trial
• Formulation and Sensory Evaluation of Functional Cake Prepared from Sweet Potato Powder