Traditional rakhi threads get modern look

CHANDIGARH: Gold and silverplated bracelet rakhis are selling like hot cakes in the city as the festival of Raksha Bandhan draws near

Updated At : 07:39 AM Aug 06, 2017 IST

Girls select rakhis at a market in Sector 11, Chandigarh, on Saturday. Tribune photos: Ravi Kumar

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 5

Gold and silver-plated bracelet rakhis are selling like hot cakes in the city as the festival of Raksha Bandhan draws near. Sellers are also offering customised rakhi sets and discounts to lure customers.

Abhi Singh from Megha Fashion in Sector 22, here, said: “The gold-plated rakhi comes in a special box, with a cut and polished natural diamond of 25 cents (.025 carat). There is a 20 per cent discount on bracelet rakhis. There is also an option of 50 per cent cashback for customers. They can return these rakhis for half the sale price 2-3 days after the festival.”

“This rakhi comes with a certificate of authenticity from the International Geological Illustration,” he said.

A rakhi of this specification will cost from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 depending on the diamond cut. Silver-plated rakhis, available in the range between Rs 800 and Rs 1,100, are also in demand.

“I am buying a silver-bracelet rakhi for my brother because it has a modern appeal,” said a customer in the Sector 22 market.

Ashima from Gift ‘N Things said: “We have received a good response for rakhis with religious symbols. These rakhis have a silver coin embossed with the imagery of Lord Ganesha, Om and Khanda on the thread.” “The new trend that is catching up is a ‘lumba’ pearl rakhi set with stones in varied colour combinations,” she said.

Raminder Singh, Archies franchise owner, said: “We have a promotional rakhi thali, which includes a rakhi, chocolates, tikka, mauli and rice for Rs 599. Bracelet rakhis are doing well with stones and religious symbols. Rakhis with attached props, toys and watches are popular with children.”

In the children segment, cartoon characters dominate with Doraemon, Minions, Spongebob, Chhota Bheem and Baahubali rakhis.

Sweetmeat and confectionery shops in the city have also set up stalls of ‘jalebi’ and ‘imarti’ for the festival.

Amin Chand, Sai Sweets, said: “The special ‘desi ghee jalebi’ is available for Rs 460 per kg. Barfi, ‘kheer kadam’, ‘gulab jamun’ and ‘rasmalai’ are also in demand.”

Gurtek Singh, New Kesri Sweets, said: “Along with ‘jalebi’, people also purchase ‘kalakand’ and ‘kaju barfi’. It is all about taste and preferences.”