Rourkela: Rakhis handmade by intellectually disabled children at Home & Hope in Rourkela have become a festive hit, drawing buyers in large numbers and even leaving some empty-handed due to high demand.Around 20 students aged between 10 and 18 years from the institution at Sector-17 began making rakhis in July with materials provided by the school. Guided by craft teacher Kabita Nag, they worked regularly and produced nearly 300 rakhis by Aug 25.Word of their initiative spread quickly, prompting residents and several organisations to visit the institution, appreciate the children’s efforts and purchase the rakhis. The products were so popular that stocks ran out before all interested buyers could make a purchase.The sale of the rakhis generated around Rs 4,000. “Our children made beautiful rakhis and they were in high demand. They prepare rakhis every year well ahead of the festival under the guidance of our craft teacher,” said Padmini Das, principal-in-charge of Home & Hope.She added that children who make rakhis are also gifted a rakhi to take home as a token of appreciation.