By IANS
Jaipur : With the Raksha Bandhan festival round the corner, markets in Jaipur are wearing a festive look, innovative rakhis filling the shelves – some embedded with gem stones, a few with images of gods and many even imported from China!
On Rakhi, which falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Shravan, sisters tie decorative threads on their brother’s wrist, symbolic of their love, and the brothers vow to protect them. The festival falls on Aug 28 this year.
Ranging from Rs.5 to Rs 1,500, various new patterns have hit the shelves. Rakhis with images of gods and goddesses are being seen for the first time and are attracting buyers, says Brijesh Parnami, a rakhi seller.
And ‘Made in China’ rakhis too have entered the market. Using satin threads, they have small toys, dolls and flowers pasted on them.
“I bought a few such rakhis as they look attractive, are lightweight and it would be easier for me to courier them,” said Meenakshi Chaudhary, a college student.
But what has caught the fancy of many are the ones with gemstones, zardosi work and enamel embellishments, though they are on the more expensive side.
“Many innovative designs are there this time but rakhis with gem stones on them are selling like hot cakes,” says Rajpal sharma, another rakhi vendor.
“With so much choice, I had a tough time deciding which rakhi to buy. I finally bought one with gem stones on it. Though it was a bit costly, it was really unique,” said Anjali Chopra.
Among the most expensive are the rakhis having zardosi and enamel work on them and they too are in high demand, adds Suresh Paliwal, a rakhi dealer in the walled city area.
The postal department too has got into the festive mood and has released envelopes that include a rakhi and all the material necessary for the ceremony. All the sisters have to do is to write the address and send it to their brothers residing far and away.