It’s that time of the year when city markets are flooded with rakhis to suit the flavour of every sibling bond.

But with

clashing with Independence Day this year, the mood at

bazaars in Kolkata is not untouched by political colours. Ruling the shelves are Didi rakhis, which have a photo of CM

or Didi, the name she’s fondly addressed by. Giving it some competition are Modi rakhis. However, after talking to various shoppers and shop owners, we found Didi rakhis to be hot favourites. “After selling like hot cakes last year, Didi rakhis continue to rule this year as well. However, I usually don’t keep them on display. I prefer to bring out the stock only when a customer specifically asks for it. A lot of it has already been sold by now,” said Sunil Kar, who has stocked up on Didi rakhis at his Gariahat shop.

When asked about the demand for Modi rakhis, he added, “Didi ar Modi ke eksathe rakha jabe na. Since I have kept Didi rakhis with me, I didn’t stock up on Modi rakhis.” What’s more? Apart from Didi rakhi, which costs `10 apiece, there are also those with jora phool, which is popular as Trinamool Congress’ party symbol. Mukesh Kumar Shau has kept both Didi and Modi rakhis at his Janbazar shop. “But Didi rakhis are hot-sellers compared to the ones with our PM’s photo. Most customers are enquiring only about Didi rakhis,” he said.

Then there are some who are also buying rakhis with the Bharatiya Janata Party symbol. Both Modi and lotus symbol rakhis are available at `10 apiece. Pooja Pandey, a doctor who was seen buying rakhis in Gariahat, feels politics should be kept out of auspicious occasions like Rakhi. “This festival is all about making a promise of protecting your beloved siblings and expressing your love and care for them. My brother has his own likes and dislikes, and I totally respect his choices. Tying a rakhi having a photo of Modiji or a lumba with Mamataji’s pic is a funny trend. I feel this leads to politicising of the festival, which is not right,” she said. For those who are not interested in this battle of Didi versus Modi rakhis, there’s a host of quirky and colourful rakhis available at city markets to suit every brother-sister bond. Here are a few top picks…

Budget no issue? Go for stone-studded rakhis

Ganesha and peacock rakhi designs are always a hit. This year, several shops are selling rakhis heavily studded with coloured stones. Some even have rakhis embellished with real peacock feathers. The prices of these rakhis start from `180 and go up to `400. Surojit Singh, a shopkeeper, said, “Although these stone-studded rakhis look beautiful, the demand for the more expensive ones is not much.”

Have your rakhis and it eat too

Yes, you heard it right. Edible rakhis made of chocolate allow you to bite into your rakhi. Many patisseries across the city are offering uniquely crafted edible rakhis. And if your brother is a fitness enthusiast, there are edible rakhis made of superfoods too. Manju Sethia, owner of one of the first bakeries to introduce edible rakhis in Kolkata, said, “In the last few years, we have seen a significant rise in the demand for our edible rakhis. With cookies and chocolates placed on top of a rakhi, these are absolutely delicious and visually striking. The idea is to add an extra element of fun to this wonderful festival. We also have jar desserts, healthy granola bars and 100% vegetarian marshmallows, especially for the occasion.” The prices of edible rakhis start at Rs 100.

A rakhi for your Bhabhi too

As per Marwadi traditions, tying rakhi is not limited to brothers. Sisters also tie a rakhi or lumba on their sister-in-law’s wrist. This trend is gradually spreading among the non-Marwadis as well. Hence, the bhaiya-bhabhi rakhis and lumbas have flooded the markets this year. “Ladies’ rakhi or lumba rakhi are a big craze this season even among the Bengalis. These resemble a bracelet or a bangle and are beautifully decorated. It can be easily worn later as an accessory,” said Surojit, a shopkeeper. While bhaiyya-bhaabhi rakhis start from `130, lumba rakhis are available from Rs 35 onwards.

Treats galore for the little ones

If you have a baby brother who’s a cartoon fan, then you will be spoilt for choice. From quirky watches themed on Chhota Bheem, to Shinchan and Ben10, there’s a host of cartoon rakhis out there. The USP of these rakhis is that many of them come with lights. The Motu Patlu rakhi is the latest addition to the cartoon-themed rakhis. Apart from these, Spider-Man, my friend Ganesha and Shin Chan rakhis are also much in demand.

Celebrate with silver

Those who don’t like to follow the general trend and have no budget constraints, can buy rakhis made of pure silver. Most jewellery stores in the city are offering silver rakhis along with rakhis studded with American diamonds or embellished with Minakari work. We also spotted a silver rakhi with Chhota Bheem’s picture on it. Silver rakhis are not only stylish but also make for a good investment option. Lakshman Chowdhury from a jewellery store said, “Not only non-Bengalis, but even a lot of Bengali customers have started investing in pure silver rakhis during Rakhi Purnima. It not only serves the purpose of a rakhi, but can also be cherished as a precious gift.” Silver rakhis are priced at `700 onwards, depending on the amount and weight of

silver used.

How about wearing the Tricolour on your wrist?

If you want your brother to wear his love for the country and you on his wrist at the same time, go for beaded Tricolour rakhis that are priced at `25. Shreya Banerjee, who was seen buying a Tricolour rakhi in Gariahat, said, “Every year, I look for a unique rakhi for my brother. This time, Raksha Bandhan is on August 15. So I thought why not buy a Tricolour rakhi? It will be apt to mark both the occasions.”