Glittering Bond

Rakhis are not anymore about the yellow threads which Tagore had initiated as a bond of harmony between the Hindus and Muslims prior to Independence.

Rakshabandhan is going to be one colourful affair as rakhis with flickering lights,miniature photographs and cartoon characters on them flood the markets

Rakhis are not anymore about the yellow threads which Tagore had initiated as a bond of harmony between the Hindus and Muslims prior to Independence. There is more to it than the much celebrated sibling affection. We have started a new range of bracelets this year, says Younis Manya,the owner of Star Bangle Matching Center in Camp. These bracelets are gold or silver plated and Manya charges Rs 100 for each. The motive behind such type of rakhi cum bracelet is that the brothers can keep them for a lifetime and wear it when they feel like, feels Manya. This multi-purpose accessory can be used as a rakhi,during the occasion and as a wrist ornament for any other day.

The small-time jewellery stores in Camp have also introduced silver rakhis specifically meant for the occassion. Tirthesh Jain,owner of Yatindra Jewellers on M. G. Road,says,Apart from silver plated rakhis,we have minakari and katak ones which are a hot favourites this season. The patterns are uni-sex and the carvings on them can be masculine as well. The switch rakhis sold by Janardhan Dhare at Fergusson College Road are to watch out for. Priced at Rs 20 each,these rakhis are a real treat to the eyes. When your brother presses the tiny green switch,he is bound to be elated. The green switch on the wrist band turns the Harry Potter into Superman. He loves flaunting the rakhi the whole day. So I want to gift him something which will amuse him. I am sure that my brother will like the switch rakhi, says 14-year-old Divya,who bought it for her six-year-old brother,Atharva.

Dhare also sells Ganpati and Sai Baba rakhis which have the tiny figures of the deities on the bands. A special range of the chord bag rakhis are available in little teddy bags. The switch rakhis just enhance the appearance of the cartoon rakhis, feels Prakash Shroff,owner of Sharda General Stores,Camp. Shroff has an innovative collection of action cartoon rakhis and the car rakhis. While the former is a range of Harry Potter,Superman,Batman,Benten,Hanuman,Mario and Noddy,the latter caters to racing car buffs. The ‘car rakhi’ may be a bit too big for a ten-year-old boy’s wrist but it is unique in itself. It can be used as a toy once the occasion is over. Shroff also sells the light rakhis which is a great attraction among kids. The tiny green and red lights stuck beneath the cartoons,when switched on,create a little ray of red and green.

The complete thalis are also available with a small bag of colourful rice grains,chocolates and kumkum,and are priced at Rs 2. The Bhaiyya Tussi Great Ho collection at Shroff’s store is an assortment of the thalis and the stone-studded rakhis which come in a package for Rs 200.

Personalised rakhis are selling like hot cakes at Red Moments,Fergusson College Road. The store provides two interesting options for them. Customers can have a photo of the brother or a mini album capturing all the sweet memories. These personalised rakhis which are priced at Rs 150 and Rs 200,and can also be used as key chains later.

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories

Tags:
Raksha Bandhan