RAKSHA BANDHAN is among one of India’s most popular festivals, and is a predominantly north Indian festival that celebrates the unique bond between a brother and a sister.
From the simple hand spun threads of yore to today’s intricate and increasingly expensive options, including those made from beads, semi-precious and precious metals and stones, as well as dried flowers, there’s a rakhi for every kind of sibling bond.
The zardozi and silver or gold-plated rakhis, once the prerogative of royalty, have now made way for rakhis made from gold and adorned with diamonds. Jewellery shops offer custom designed gold and diamond rakhis, which can be reused as pendants or broaches by removing the thread.
Though silver rakhis have been doing the rounds of the market for more than a decade now, a Mumbai-based firm has recently launched a collection of rakhis that highlights the astrological benefits of silver.
Karmic Quotient, the collection by Frazer & Haws, offers rakhis made in sterling silver. These are said to talismans for health, wealth and fame. The designers claim that these rakhis, when combined with the chanting of corresponding mantras, help augment a person’s ‘karmic quotient’.
For those on the look out for antiques, try the Zaveri Bazaar in Mumbai, where exotic rakhi goodies – such as a ‘rakhiyon ki palki’ (a tray for carrying rakhis, exquisitely detailed with semi precious stones) or a ‘rakhiyon ki doli’ (a palanquin made from silver) and other assortments can be found. Then there are the lumbas (hanging rakhis), pachelis (armband rakhis) and hathphools (palm rakhis) waiting to be picked up.
Many jewellers are also offering silver and gold rakhis with religious symbols such as the Om, Ganesha, Swastika and Rudraksha, all woven in the traditional red silk thread.
Traditional rakhi lovers can opt for the Mouli rakhi. It is a sacred thread mainly used by Hindus for tying onto the wrists while performing auspicious ceremonies. The most ancient variety of rakhi, however, is the Resham Rakhi which is made with a combination of cotton and silk threads and is intricately decorated. Equally popular are the floral and zari rakhis made from small and big paper or plastic flowers.
Also popular this season are Feng Shui rakhis and Turkish Evil Eye rakhis that claim to emit positive energy. These rakhis have auspicious symbols such as laughing Buddhas, dragons, tortoises and gold fishes, and are said to bring good luck even once the rakhi has been removed from the wrist.
For children, rakhis come in an assortment of cartoon and superhero characters, including Hanuman, Krissh and Superman. There’s also a ‘musical’ rakhi: it plays a special/favourite tune when tied on the wrist.
And for those looking to add the personal touch to this unique festival, shops across India are stocked with exclusive make- it- yourself kits for a handmade rakhi that’s absolutely unique.
