The Bond of Protection

Amid the chaos of unrestrained traffic,shopping centres and roadside vendors at Tulsibaug Chowk,the new occupants sharing space are makeshift kiosks with a display of colorful rakhis. Legend has it that when Rajput queens used to send rakhi threads to neighbouring rulers,the threads strictly meant “resham ka dhaga” (silk thread) studded with precious stones and gems. A quick look through the varieties on offer reveals that they have been replaced by eye-popping ones — with Chhota Bheem,Angry Birds,Mickey Mouse and Bal Hanuman rakhis giving sisters a hard time to choose one.

Giving tough competition to the Chhota Bheem/ Angry Bird category,are rakhis with miniature soft toys attached on them. “My brother is just two years old,and I think he will love these rakhis,” says nine-year-old Rasika Gupte. Also selling like hot cakes this year are Chinese rakhis with multi-coloured lights fitted on the plastic body of a cartoon character. “These range between Rs 30 and Rs 80,” says Mahesh Naik,a shopkeeper.

Yet,the traditional look is not entirely out of style in the city. Pinching pockets at Rs 500 and above are rakhis made of zari,glittery stones and zardozi,popular among elder sisters looking to indulge their brothers while showing their love.

Elegant lumba rakhis,which sister-in-laws tie on each other’s wrist,are also a big hit. “I am sending a rakhi for my brother who lives abroad,so why should my sister-in-law be left out?” remarks engineering student Nidhisha Voona,showing off a pretty lumba.