Markets in Ranchi are flooded with various kinds of designer rakhis, having statuettes on it, right from Chhota Bheem to Doraemon, the first choice of kids. Traditional ones with mirrors and colourful beads to gold plated designer rakhi are also in demand this season.
“Various kinds of rakhis are available in the market this time, especially for kids we have brought special collections of rakhis. Rakhis with designers cartoon characters are grabbing the attention of children,” said Vipul Kumar, owner of a rakhi stall at Upper Bazar.
“Each year the demands for designer cartoon character Rakhis gets higher as compared to any other ordinary rakhi”, Kumar said.
Kids also have their own penchants and to pamper them variety of options are available in the local market for this festive season.
“This time I am going to buy a special designer Doremon rakhi for my younger brother,” said, Rupali Nag, a 10 years old kid at Archies Gallery.
People in the state capital also have the option of choosing ‘thali model’ nowadays. These especially decorated thalis are becoming a trend among the customers, as all the traditional items for this particular festival are available in one plate. Thali comprises of rice, vermilion and a small coconut wrapped in a red cloth.
People in the city are also ordering special designer rakhis, which are being prepared by the artists in the state capital. Many women in Upper Bazar prepare designer Rakhi in accordance with the taste and preferences of customers.
“I hire around 10-12 women every year at the occasion of Raskha Bandhan. We get several orders for the festival, which includes not only rakhis but also designer envelopes containing all essentials items for which propitious occasion,” said, Sunita Banka, a businesswoman.
Most of the stalls have come up in the markets selling vivid and colourful rakhis, but this year the demand for fancy gold plated rakhis is high among all age groups.
Apart from designer rakhi, this year gold plated rakhis and silver rakhi are also available in Ranchi. “As we know that gold and silver are considered to be auspicious, this time I am buying fancy gold plated rakhi for my brother to make this auspicious occasion a memorable one,” said Ranjini Sahay, a homemaker.
The jewellery shops in the state capital are also doing business at the occiason.
“The craze for gold plated rakhis on silver metal was never felt so much earlier and is expected to go up this year,” said a jewellery shop owner Satya Prakash.
“Gold plated rakhi is the best available option in the market today. The prices of gold plated rakhis are also very reasonable, the price ranges between Rs 300 to Rs 3000,” Prakash further added.