‘Rakhi’, according to tradition is tied around a brother’s wrist.Hindus tie the Rakhi around the idol of Lord Ganesha to seek the blessings of his bounty. In fact, Lord Indhra’s wife Sachi too tied a Rakhi around her husband’s wrist.The rakhi is a symbol of protection and solidarity, almost like the friendship band that began in the United States and has now reached our shores.Around the Hindu month of Shravan, it is impossible not to miss your brothers or sisters if they live away from you. Considering the festival was started for brothers to offer ‘raksha’ or protection to their sisters, does it hold relevance today, especially when sisters live away from brothers and don’t need them for “protection”. “Yes, it matters maybe not for the same reason as it was started for but it has grown into a lot more,” .
The fancy rakhi thalis and chocolates are selling in the market but it is the cosmetic items and books that have emerged as the most popular gifts for this Raksha Bandhan. From an average price range of Rs 1,500 to Rs 10,000, luxury perfumes and cosmetic gift sets are selling like hot cakes in malls and community markets.