As a design practice that draws eternal inspiration from nature, our collaboration with Arrjava was an especially significant one for Pavitra Rajaram Design. Arrjava is a Apollo Foundation Total Health initiative to bring good health and sustainable livelihoods to India’s villages and forests. In 2022, PRD joined them as design partner on a pilot project at Amrabad Tiger Reserve in the Nallamalla forests of Telangana.

Working with the indigenous Chenchu tribe, the PRD team conceptualised ‘Dance of the Bumblebee’, a fragrance and candle line inspired by the eco-system of this land. We developed a fragrance inspired by the smells of wet forests and warm honeysuckle, and created a visual identity for collection. We also advised the foundation on branding and strategy for this critical initiative. ‘Dance of the Bumblebee’ was launched in time to make a thoughtful gift for Diwali 2022.

 To craft an authentic brand story, designers and artists from PRD spent time at Amrabad Tiger Reserve interacting with the local tribals and understanding the rhythms of the forest. ‘Dance of the Bumblebee’ candles were made from foraged beeswax and hand-poured by upskilled Chenchu artisans. The fragrance was a tropical tangle of wild jasmine, moist wood and fresh honey, with hints of citrus. The packaging was hand-painted by artists at PRD to reflect the vital, green abundance of Amrabad.  All proceeds from the sale of ‘Dance of the Bumblebee’ candles went towards providing healthcare for the tribal communities of Amrabad.