Patna: Markets across Patna wore a festive look ahead of Rakshabandhan with customers turning up in large numbers for last-minute rakhi purchases. From traditional threads to designer, cartoon, bracelet-style and stone-studded rakhis, sellers have stocked a wide range for different age groups and budgets.Prices generally start at Rs 10 to Rs 15 and go beyond Rs 500 for fancy designs. Silver and premium rakhis are also available at branded jewellery shops, while makeshift stalls have sprung up across markets to cater to the festival rush.Rajkumar Ram, a seller at Arya Kumar Road, said footfall had increased considerably over the past two days. “Many people who had been waiting until the last moment are now buying rakhis,” he said.Kalendra Kumar, a seller at Kadamkuan, said fancy and bracelet-style rakhis were in greater demand this year. “People are looking not only at the price but also at the design and finishing. Rakhis plated with gold and silver are also in considerable demand. These start at Rs 300 and go up to Rs 1,500 depending on the design,” he said.Traditional and religious designs featuring Lord Ganesha, Krishna and Shiva are also finding buyers. Cartoon and musical rakhis remain popular among children, while younger customers are opting for stylish bracelet and stone-studded designs.Ramesh Kumar, a seller at Lodipur, said, “Children are more interested in colourful and musical rakhis, while elders prefer traditional ones. We have something for everyone.”Shilpi Kumari of Boring Canal Road said prices were reasonable and the markets offered many new designs.
