As Raksha Bandhan drew near, jewellery shops in Patna experienced a surge in demand for gold and silver rakhis, with many customers opting for special diamond-studded designs. Rakhis were available in a wide price range, from Rs 750 to Rs 3.50 lakh, catering to various budgets and preferences.

Local jewellers were bustling with activity as sisters sought to gift their brothers unique and lasting tokens of affection. Shekhar Kesari, owner of a prominent jewellery showroom in Patna, noted that his store offered an array of silver, gold, platinum, and diamond-embedded rakhis. He mentioned, “The prices for these rakhis ranged from Rs 750 to Rs 3.50 lakh. Customers were willing to invest in these stylish rakhis, reflecting their desire for both beauty and longevity.”

The trend towards gold and silver rakhis grew, with many sisters choosing these precious metal options over traditional beads and silk-thread designs. Kesari explained that the increasing demand for such rakhis was driven by the belief that a rakhi should be both a meaningful gift and a lasting asset. “In recent years, the preference for precious metals and stones had risen significantly. Sisters now viewed the rakhi as an investment that would remain a cherished asset for their brothers,” he said.

To accommodate various budgets, Kesari’s showroom offered a broad price range, ensuring that even those from modest backgrounds could afford a special rakhi. For families with a tradition of using silk-thread rakhis, there were options featuring gold and silver embellishments, while some rakhis were entirely crafted from these metals.

In terms of auspicious timing, Ramshankar Dubey, acharya, advised that Raksha Bandhan should be celebrated after 1:30 pm on August 19, when Bhadra Nakshatra, which was believed to have less impact on the earth, moved away. The festival was observed on Shravan Purnima, and the best time to tie the rakhi extended into the night.

In Gujarat, the festival took on a unique twist for women from migrant families who celebrated Raksha Bandhan with brothers residing in Pakistan through video calls. Despite the physical distance, these sisters maintained their bond by utilizing technology and social media. Many of these families, who had migrated from Pakistan to Gujarat, continued to uphold the tradition of Raksha Bandhan by performing Kanku Chandlo Aarti and exchanging blessings over video calls.

This blend of tradition and modernity underscored the enduring significance of Raksha Bandhan, highlighting the ways in which cultural practices adapted to contemporary circumstances.