Prayagraj: From traditional silk threads to Avengers-inspired bands and silver bracelets, Rakshabandhan shopping has added a splash of colour to Prayagraj’s markets, with shops across the city witnessing a steady flow of customers ahead of the festival. However, the festive mood comes with a price tag, as rakhi prices have risen by around 10 to 20% compared with last year.Markets in Civil Lines, Chowk, Katra, Sulemsarai, Teliyarganj and Kotaparcha have been decked up with a wide variety of rakhis. Traditional silk-thread rakhis, roli-kalawa designs and fancy decorative pieces are being displayed alongside character-based rakhis for children.Cartoon-themed rakhis featuring Chhota Bheem, Doraemon and Spider-Man too remain popular, while light-up watch-style rakhis are also attracting children. A newer attraction this year is character-based rakhi designs inspired by Avengers superheroes, giving children and young fans another option beyond conventional cartoon motifs.For women and young girls, shops are offering rakhis made with pearls, stones, beads and silk threads. Prices range from Rs 10 to Rs 300, depending on the design and material. Shopkeepers said customers are looking for both affordable everyday designs and more elaborate decorative rakhis. They added that newer varieties are being promoted as colour-fast, with the threads designed not to bleed and the shine of the metal and beads expected to last longer.“The range this year includes everything from simple traditional rakhis to designer pieces, so customers can choose according to their budget and preference,” said Afsar Mahmood, a shopkeeper.The Rakshabandhan shopping rush is not limited to rakhis. Gift stores are also seeing increased footfall as siblings pick up digital watches, bracelets, chocolates, dry fruits, cosmetics, perfumes and specially packed gift hampers. Many customers are opting to get their gifts packed at the shops to give them a more festive look.Silver rakhis are also adding a premium segment to the market. Available as bracelets, chains and rakhi sets, these are priced between Rs 200 and Rs 3,000. Dinesh Singh, district president of the Allahabad Jewellers Association, said jewellers were stocking new designs in silver rakhis to meet the demand for more lasting and personalised festival gifts.
