Ornamental rakhis add glitter to Rakshabandhan

KANPUR: Depicting everything from cartoon figures to beads of `rudraksh' balls, rakhis have come a long way from their once humble and traditional avatar, and the latest trend in the series is gold and silver metal based rakhis.
Rakshabandhan is the most anticipated festival for brothers and sisters that is celebrated with love, care, sensitivity, trust and tenderness between siblings every year.During the festival sisters tie the `thread of love' around the wrist of their brothers and the latter give them a gift while promising protection and security throughout their lives.
Keeping the tradition alive, but with a little twist, the sisters this year are preferring to buy rakhis that are made of gold, silver and diamond. “My brother wears the rakhi that I tie on his wrist round the year. It gets worn out by the time next Rakshabandhan comes up. Therefore, this year I thought of gifting him a gold and silver based rakhi which he can wear for ‘n’ number of times. I saved money from my pocket allowance to buy a decent silver rakhi for my dear brother,” said Sapna Mishra, a college student.
Available in large variety, the markets are flooded with ornamental rakhis that come in wide range depending upon the amount of gold or silver used in it.
Pushpendra Jaiswal, spokesperson of Kanpur Mahanagar Sarrafa Association, said that gold rakhis are available between Rs 1500-Rs 20,000 while the one in silver are being sold for Rs. 1500-Rs 2500. “Rakhis with studs and American diamond have hit the market this year. They cost between Rs 35,000-Rs 40,000. Though they are very expensive when compared to traditional rakhis, but people are thronging market to buy them with an investment prospect,” said Jaiswal.
Meanwhile, the rakhis with a thread, are also becoming popular among the locals.
“Ornamental rakhis look decent and trendy. Plus, they are multipurpose and can be donned as a bracelet in future. I have bought a sparkling gold rakhi for my younger brother this year. Though it cost me around Rs 20,000, but is a sort of investment for him. Also, he can flaunt it among his friends,” said Anvita Sinha, a banker.