Indore’s major markets have been stocked with a wide range of Raksha Bandhan rakhis ahead of the festival, with prices ranging from ₹10 to ₹1,000. Reusable designs, silver rakhis and large display rakhis are among the prominent offerings this year.
Rakhi shopping has picked up in Indore’s major markets ahead of Raksha Bandhan. From Ranipura to Rajwada, shops are offering rakhis featuring cartoon characters, lights, stones, pearls and decorative tassels.
Rakhis priced between ₹10 and ₹1,000 are available across the markets. A separate range of cartoon character, soft toy and light-up rakhis is available for children, while designs featuring stones, pearls, tassels and other decorative elements have been displayed for young shoppers and women.
Alongside traditional rakhis, designs focused on fashion and utility are also available in the markets.
Reusable rakhis have emerged as a particular attraction this year. These designs feature large tassels and stones that can be used in different ways after Raksha Bandhan.
The central part of a rakhi can be removed and used in a hair bun, while its tassel can be used as earrings, a bracelet or a dupatta accessory. Some large tassels can also be combined with pearls to make a toran for a door.
Some designs can be attached to a chain and used as a maang tikka. These options allow the rakhis to be used beyond the festival.
Special rakhi sets for families are also available in the market. One set designed to open like a lotus contains separate rakhis for four family members and has been prepared specifically with nuclear families in mind.
Large display rakhis are also being prepared in the market. Palrecha Bandhu is making display rakhis measuring about 13 feet in length and 3 feet in width. These are used for decoration and display on a larger scale.
Special theme-based rakhis are also being prepared for different temples in Indore. The designs are being used not only as personal gifts but also for decoration and religious events.
Demand for silver rakhis has also increased in the jewellery market. According to jewellers, customers are showing greater interest in silver rakhis this year compared with last year. Sales of lightweight gold and silver jewellery are also continuing.
According to Vijay Verma, customers are showing good interest in silver rakhis and demand has remained steady. Abhishek Jain said the season for lightweight gold and silver jewellery is going well and that interest in silver has increased compared with last year.
Amid Raksha Bandhan shopping, a child selling rakhis in a different manner has also drawn attention in the market. The child was seen selling a large number of rakhis without a cart or vehicle, carrying them on his shoulders.
The Ranipura and Rajwada areas have seen increased movement of shoppers since morning. The range of designs and new varieties available in the markets includes traditional rakhis as well as products incorporating fashion, decoration and multiple-use features.
