Rakhis have gone trendy and creative with times. In a re-enactment of the recent election scenario, now rakhis displaying the images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are adorning the stalls.
The city market streets like Jumerati and Chowk Bazaar are flooded by these rakhis having the small image of Modi on one side with the logo of the BJP at top. The Pioneer talked to the shopkeepers selling the rakhis and the customers buying these rakhis with enthusiasm.
Sanjay, a rakhi vendor, says, “These rakhis are looking very pretty and people are also buying them with a lot of enthusiasm.” Another shopkeeper says, “I have 20 pieces of Modi’s rakhis at my stall everyday and most of them are sold out by this time.” Elaborating further he says, “Well, it is hard to say whether Modi rakhis are doing good sales or not but the craze of designer rakhis is still the same among the buyers.”
The price of Modi rakhis begins from Rs20 and goes up to Rs60. Other than Modi rakhis, the market is displaying different varieties of rakhis for the tiny tots as well. Rakhis featuring Superman, Krrish, Bal Hanuman and Chhota Bheem are major the attractions for the kids this season. Moreover, the eco-friendly rakhis made of jute is also captivating the interests of the buyers.
“While choosing a rakhi customers usually go by the colour and design of their choice and the little girls want to buy the rakhis displaying the favourite character of their brothers,” says Kumar, a shopkeeper. The rates for such rakhis range from Rs50 to Rs150.
"I want to buy a rakhi featuring Chhota Bheem as my little brother is a big fan of Chota Bheem," says Shweta, a buyer. Battery-operated glowing rakhi, rakhis featuring teddy-bear, car, mobile and mouse rakhis are major picks among children. Some of the rakhis have been made of resham and zari threads and are decorated with different items like pearls, beads, stones, gems or imitation jewellery material.
"I prefer to buy a traditional rakhi beautifully decorated with gems and pearls. This rakhi which I bought would definitely suit on my brother's wrist," says Shruti, another buyer.
The Bhopalites are preparing to celebrate the sibling feel and are shopping for Raksha Bandhan in full swing as the festival is just at the door-step. The markets are adorned with beautiful rakhis, new arrivals in gifts and also the trendy dresses and accessories for the buyers.