Jamshedpur Women Turn Discarded Temple Flowers Into Business Opportunity

Jamshedpur: A group of Steel City women has turned discarded temple flowers into the foundation of a thriving eco-enterprise. Supported by the Tata Steel Foundation, 30 local women across various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) now collect discarded flowers from major temples and transform them into decorative flower dhoop (incense) cones.

The initiative has already recycled more than 5.5 tonnes of temple flower waste, generating over ₹61,000 in product sales.

Every morning, temple bells echo through the towns and villages of East Singhbhum as devotees offer fresh flowers in prayer. By noon, temple staff usually sweep those same marigolds away into trash heaps. For years, local communities viewed these wilted flowers as waste. Today, the discarded flowers boost the finances of these women.

From Homemakers to Entrepreneurs

The project manages a massive supply chain, collecting waste from prominent religious sites including Ram Mandir and Mauni Baba Mandir (Sonari), Manokamna Mandir (Sakchi), Tinplate Kali Mandir, Beldih Kalibari Mandir, Rankini Mandir (Jadugora), Harina Mandir (Potka), and Vaishno Devi Mandir (Galudih).

After hauling the flowers, the women segregate, dry, and process the petals into marketable incense products. In doing so, they are also reshaping their own lives. Khusboo, a homemaker who once spent her days confined to household chores, now serves as the Secretary of her SHG.

“Earlier, I never imagined that temple flowers could become a source of income for us,” Khusboo said. “Today, this work allows me to support my family’s expenses and stand on my own feet. More than the earnings, it gives me confidence and happiness.”

For many participants, the project marks their first step into entrepreneurship. The women actively manage production schedules, maintain inventories, oversee quality control, and handle market distribution.

Pinki, who works as the group’s cashier, manages the financial records alongside her production responsibilities. “I feel proud that I can financially support my family while helping the environment,” Pinki said. “Working with other women has given me independence and hope. Now, we start our days with enthusiasm and responsibility.”

Scaling Up for the Future

The project’s impact reaches beyond financial metrics. The initiative is successfully driving local awareness around waste segregation, recycling, and responsible consumption, while positioning women as environmental champions in their communities.

To sustain this momentum, the Tata Steel Foundation is currently developing a dedicated production and training facility at the Bagunhatu Skill Centre. The new hub will streamline manufacturing, enhance skill development, improve inventory management, and foster product innovation—allowing the artisans to expand both their production capacity and their business goals.