With Raksha Bandhan approaching nearer, the people, especially the women, are found thronging the markets to buy rakhis. The traders selling rakhis say that the rush is usual. “Despite the western culture seemingly eclipsing our national culture, the tradition of the sisters tying the pious threads round the wrists of their brothers is continuing without a break,” said one found selling rakhis at Paltan Bazar. Multiple varieties of rakhis are being sold with the price ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 250. Sets of cards and envelopes are also available for those who prefer to enclose a message with their rakhis, said Aman, a shop owner. The festival of Raksha Bandhan, which denotes sacred bond of love, trust and commitment between sisters and brothers, would be held on Monday.
A college student Anushka, found at Paltan Bazar, said, “I have come here to see rakhis. However, I have not yet found one which can be called special. If such a rakhi is not found today I would come again tomorrow as new stocks would arrive.” However, Neha who was with Anushka said that she purchased four different rakhis as she is having two brothers and two cousins.
Manju, an employee of a shop in the main Paltan Bazaar, said that decorative pieces of a teddy bear or popular cartoon characters are popular among schoolgirls who use them to make rakhis for school-going brothers.
DAV (PG) College student Himani Bisht said, ”I prefer handmade rakhis because I can customise them according to the choices of my brothers. When they would reach our home in Haridwar I am sure my brothers would be over-whelmed, seeing new- style rakhis.”
Anuradha, another college student, said, “I buy a small set of raw materials which is not too expensive and then I keep the base of rakhi same for both my brothers. For my elder brother, I finish it with a religious symbol or a picture of a God and for my younger brother, I stick his favourite cartoon character.”