NEW AGE BANDHAN
Facebook and WhatsApp rakhis are in vogue this Raksha Bandhan. And Angry Birds are alighting on wrists too
New passions are now giving old customs a new look. The popularity of social networking platforms Facebook and WhatsApp is making its presence felt in the form of trendy rakhis this Raksha Bandhan in the capital. And for gaming addicts, Angry Bird rakhis are the hot picks.
While these rakhis are a rage among youngsters, elders aren’t frowning at them either. A step forward, shall we say, as the changing trend in rakhis is a sure sign of keeping up with the changing times. We found out what other rakhis are popular among Delhiites this festive season. Hoping to pick a rakhi that her 17- year- old brother Vansh would wear for more than a few hours, Bhagya Arora was smitten by the Facebook rakhi she saw in the market. Finding it tough to choose between that and a gem- studded one, she said, “There are so many designs. It’s getting more difficult each year to buy that one perfect rakhi. As it is, no matter which rakhi I buy, my brother barely wears it for an hour. But I feel he’ll like this Facebook rakhi better than a regular one.” Raj Gupta, stall owner at Green Park market shared, “Many buyers are going in for trendy rakhis to perhaps keep up with the times or share a good laugh with all at home. Facebook and WhatsApp rakhis are invariably catching the eye. Rakhis with Chanel logo are favoured by teenage girls who want their brothers to flaunt the luxury logo on their wrists.”
Rakhis with Chanel logo are favoured by teenage girls
Another youngster, Jasleena Singh, a consultant by profession, picked up both Facebook rakhi and an Angry Bird rakhi, She said, “I have bought this Facebook rakhi for my brother since he loves Facebook. The Angry Bird rakhi is for my husband’s sister,” she said with a chuckle.
Also popular are rakhis featuring Mojacko, a Japanese anime, or the China manufactured rakhis with lights that glow when switched on. But despite the trendy competitors, still holding ground are the traditional rakhis with Aum, Ganesha, floral symbols embossed on them.
Sneha Sharma, out shopping with her mother, was in two minds about buying the latest light rakhi for her sibling. She said, “It looks bulky to me, not sure if my younger brother would be able to handle it all day. But I am buying this as a back- up along with another rakhi to make him happy and hope he can proudly display it to his friends.”
Atul, a shopkeeper at Amar Colony, shared that light rakhis like Chhota Bheem, Shin Chan, Bal Ganesh, Ben10 ( price range 40- 60), are popular among
` young children who prefer rakhis of their favourite characters. “We’ve sold more of these rakhis than regular ones. Even though parents try and push them to buy regular flower themed or gemstudded rakhis, they finally given in to their children’s demands. These cartoon character rakhis are made to attract young children, and youngsters will naturally opt for them as they’re more attractive than the traditional ones.”