India Autism Center (IAC) marked Raksha Bandhan with Threads of Belonging , an inclusive rakhi-making workshop that brought neurodiverse individuals, their siblings and friends together in a celebration of creativity, connection and togetherness.
Held in Kolkata on August 27, the art therapy-led session offered participants a welcoming space to express themselves, explore their creativity and strengthen bonds through a shared festive activity. Because everyone could create and express themselves in their own way,” he said, being part of this workshop was meaningful.
Speaking about the initiative, Jaishankar Natarajan, Director and CEO, India Autism Center, said, “At India Autism Center, we believe inclusion begins when individuals are given the opportunity to participate, express themselves and build meaningful connections. Art can become a language for connection, particularly when people are given the freedom to engage with it in their own ways,” she said. Participants created personalised rakhis using a range of art materials before exchanging their handmade creations, giving the celebration a more personal touch. The workshop was facilitated by art therapy practitioner Rajashree Mukherjee, who works with neurodivergent individuals, along with IAC Resident Artist Anamitro Chatterjee, who is himself on the autism spectrum. Their combined professional expertise and lived experience helped create an environment centred on self-expression and participation rather than perfection. Threads of Belonging brought the spirit of Raksha Bandhan into a space where creativity became a medium to connect, communicate and celebrate sibling bonds. For Anamitro, the workshop offered an opportunity to celebrate relationships through a familiar creative activity. “Making a rakhi is a simple and familiar activity, but it also gives us a chance to think about the people who are important to us. Mukherjee added that the workshop focused on the creative process rather than the finished product. “The focus was not on creating a rakhi that looks perfect, but on enjoying the process, expressing oneself and sharing the experience with others.
The initiative also reflects IAC’s larger vision of building inclusive, culturally rooted spaces for neurodiverse individuals. This includes Samaavesh , its upcoming lifelong residential care ecosystem designed to provide a supportive environment where neurodiverse individuals can live, learn, grow and form meaningful connections. Through a simple Raksha Bandhan tradition, Threads of Belonging highlighted the importance of creating spaces where neurodiverse individuals can participate freely, celebrate relationships and experience a sense of belonging. Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.