Known as the ‘Rakhi Flower’ or Krishna Kamal (Passion Flower), this rare and striking bloom has become the star attraction at the park. Spread over three acres, the park has been a green treasure for the city for 24 years, housing hundreds of rare and ornamental plants. Founder Rama Murthy explains that the Krishna Kamal is not only a visual delight but also a symbol of the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
Nature’s Own Rakhi
The Krishna Kamal stands out for its intricate design. The circular arrangement of its petals and filaments naturally resembles the shape of a rakhi, complete with a central pattern that looks like an ornate centrepiece. No glue, no plastic—just pure nature’s artistry.
Also called the Fashion Flower, Passion Fruit Flower, and Raksha Bandhan Flower, it comes in about five to six varieties, all sharing the same distinctive shape. In Visakhapatnam, many nature lovers now use this bloom as a rakhi during the festival instead of buying synthetic ones.
A Push For Eco‑Friendly Celebrations
At the Biodiversity Park, the team is on a mission: to replace plastic rakhis with these living, biodegradable alternatives. Visitors, including students and environmental enthusiasts, are encouraged to plant Krishna Kamal in their own gardens. The goal is to make the flower more common, so that in the future, anyone can pick it fresh from their own backyard for Raksha Bandhan.
The reasoning is simple—plastic rakhis end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. By contrast, a Rakhi Flower is eco‑friendly, compostable, and carries the fragrance and beauty of a real plant.
From Rare To Readily Available
Right now, the Krishna Kamal is still considered a rare ornamental plant in the region. But with awareness growing, the park’s caretakers believe it can become a household presence if more people start planting it.
“Why buy something harmful when you can grow something beautiful and meaningful?” they ask visitors. This year, the park has already seen an increase in families and school groups coming to see the flowers in bloom, and many leave with saplings to start their own eco‑friendly Rakhi tradition.
A Festival Worth Remembering
Located in Waltair, Visakhapatnam, the Biodiversity Park is inviting everyone to witness the beauty of the Rakhi Flower in person. For those who have only ever seen plastic rakhis, the sight is unforgettable—a living reminder that traditions can evolve without losing their essence.
If you are in Visakhapatnam this Raksha Bandhan, skip the store‑bought rakhi. Visit the park, pick a Krishna Kamal, and tie a bond that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your loved ones.
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