Ahead of Chandni Chowk’s famous Paranthe Wali Gali, where you can take in the aroma of paranthas frying, is the Kinari Bazaar where a visitor can enjoy shopping for Rakshabandhan in its varied hues and quirks.
Tiny bazaars have sprung up across the city with those who have to send rakhis by post already making their purchases. But shopping at Kinari bazar has an incomparable charm with each shop decked up with innumerable rachis, decorative trays, cards, envelopes and other paraphernalia.
From lanes in the Walled City to the swanky malls and online stores, the choice of rakhis and the price range is limitless. From simple, traditional designs that have remained the choice for many seasons to rakhis with cartoon characters, LED lights and even music — there is something for everyone.
Ramesh Sharma, who runs a store at Kinari Bazaar, says that people who run boutiques and gift shops all over north India come here. They buy a rakhi for Rs.10-20 and then sell it in their stores for double, or sometimes triple, the price.
“There are very few people who come to shop here. In the past month we have had people coming and buying in bulk. The designs don’t really change, but every year something new comes out,” he says.
The online space, meanwhile, has offered an opportunity to those with a creative bent of mind to look for something that suits their brothers.
Aprajita Bose says she picked up a rakhi online that turns into a key chain or bottle opener once it has served its purpose, besides doubling up as a gift. For others like Nandita, a college student, the search for a rakhi is not a last-minute deal as she scouts for “the most hideous designs” to embarrass her brother who has to wear it to work.
The festival also revives, even if it is for a day, the art of letter writing and a trip to the post office. “The old-school charm of writing out a note or a card and sending your rakhi now exists only during rakhi. It is something I started as a kid when my brother was in boarding school. I have continued doing so for over two decades. The internet has changed the way we communicate, but it is a nice throwback once a year,” says Kiran Devi.
She added that she was surprised to know that her brother had saved all her letters and cards, which he gifted to her on her wedding day. “Reading them filled my eyes with tears as it traced the way we grew up from innocent notes my mother made me write to letters filled with quotes and stories about boyfriends during my rebellious college days,” said Ms. Kiran.
Another buzz that the festival creates every year is shopping for gifts. Brothers now have access to numerous online stores that have helped them shop at home. The range of gifts available, such as holiday and restaurant coupons, and clothes is innovative and allows them to earn the extra brownie points.
