Rakhi purnima commemorates the bon d of affection, faith and promises and is the beginning of series of festivals. The markets are flooded with versatile rakhis and women are spending time to shop for decorative designer Rakhis in kiosks and folding bed turned Rakhi exhibits in the residential colonies all over the holy city. While the youngsters seem to be stuck over cartoon Rakhis for their brothers, the middle aged women look for religious symbols on the sacred thread.
There are a horde of emblems to choose from ranging from Ganesha, Om and Ek Omkar and others. The holy city has a touch of “religion” in all its festive artifacts and so is the Rakhi fest.
Balaji rakhi, Ganesha rakhi, Krishna rakhi - Choose your deity and the matching rakhi. Studded with shining stones, these embellished Rakhis are the latest craze amongst shoppers.
Religious rakhis are a new addition this year since many shopkeepers have procured Rakhis from places like Maharashtra, Mumbai and Kolkata.
A shopkeeper from Jwalapur has showcased a range of Rakhis on display ranging from Rs 12 to Rs 500. “Generally south Indian customers prefer Balaji and Ganesha Rakhis wherein north Indians have their minds fixed on Om and Swastik symbol rakhis,” says Manoj Khanna, the shop owner.
Markets are also flooded with Rakhi threads made of Rudrakhsa beads, Rudraksha being the favourite of lord Shiva. Rajasthani Rakhis have peculiar ‘bandhej’ style cloth base whereas stone work rakhis are studded with shiny crystals. Some women were seen buying Rudraksha thread along with religious-symbolled Rakhi. Even kids are not left untouched by this spirit of religion.
“I always shopped for Ben 10 and Brucelee Rakhis since my big brother is a fan of cartoon characters. I have also purchased extra Hanumanji Rakhi for him because Hanuman is a symbol of strength,” quipped a teenager while shopping for her brother. “I wish I should have brought Shiva rakhis as many customers are demanding the same,” tells a vendor in V-Mart.
Earlier simple red threads represented traditional forms of rakhi, however now-a days there is a multitude of options to choose from which confuse the younger generation as well as delight them. “I wonder if I should go for floral rakhi with glitter and sequins artistically placed on the thread or choose a cartoon one for my brother,” pondered a middle aged Rama kanta while shopping rakhi.
The cartoon characters Doraemon, Pokemon, Chhota Bheem, Motu, Patlu were favorite amongst some teenage boys who had come to shop at Vishal Mega Mart along with their sisters. “I came along my sister to select the Rakhi of my choice. Chotta Bheem Rakhi reminds me of the character from Ramayana who used to kill every one with his weapon,” told a shopper from the Gift centre.