Navi Mumbai: As the auspicious month of Shravan continues and Raksha Bandhan approaches, the markets across Navi Mumbai are alive with festive spirit. Areas such as Vashi, Koparkhairane, Ghansoli, Airoli, Nerul, Belapur, Sanpada, Panvel, Uran, and Thane are bustling with shoppers, particularly women, who are busy selecting rakhis for their brothers. To support this tradition, local post offices are also offering special envelopes for sending rakhis.

Stalls are overflowing with a diverse array of rakhis, from traditional Gonda and colorful sponge varieties to modern designs crafted from silk, beads, peacock feathers, cloth, stone, pearls, zari, and wood. Elder sisters are gravitating towards these intricate designs, while children are captivated by rakhis adorned with popular cartoon characters like Chhota Bheem, Jai Hanuman, Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man, and Doraemon. This year, illuminated plastic rakhis featuring characters like Mickey Mouse, clowns, and Santa Claus, some with sound effects, are particularly in demand, priced between Rs. 50 and Rs. 350.

For fans of cricket stars, film actors, and cartoon characters, themed rakhis are available, priced from Rs. 20 to Rs. 150. Despite the appeal of these fancy rakhis, traditional designs remain popular. Busy women are buying rakhis in bulk from hawkers to save time.

While Chinese-made rakhis are common, there is a notable demand for kundan, pearl-designed, and silver bracelet rakhis, ranging from Rs. 45 to Rs. 1,200. Additionally, the markets are stocked with embossed platters, greeting cards, gifts, sweets in attractive packaging, cakes, and chocolates, all ready for the Raksha Bandhan celebrations.