Ayesha Mahajan, Jammu
Blame it on the invasion of technology, professional commitments’ and the busy schedule of the people that have altogether taken the sheen out of the conventional way of celebrating the chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister. The festival celebrations have undergone a sea change and is more of a ‘rush rush affair now’, thanks to the technology.
From the simple red thread that always carried the primary message of love and protection between siblings; today, the web media is loaded with information and offers on rakhis in variants like silver, gemstone and many more. The rakhis have got bigger, more colourful, decorative and ornamental. For kids there are special ones based on their favourite cartoon characters.
Internet also extends E-cards, sweets, gifts, themes and ideas to increase the love and care. Now a sister staying at a distant place can connect with her loving brother by sending an online Rakhi card. There are many different Rakhi packages available like a parcel of sweets along with colorful Rakhis. The brother at the same time can tune in with the tradition by sending meaningful e-cards or choose from the variety of gifts placed in the online domain.
“I used to post a rakhi one month before the festival to my brother, who is settled in Delhi. It so happened that my brother didn’t receive it even two days before Rakshabandhan. Since then, I am sending him Rakhi online. I find it much convenient, though I do miss the charm of tying the silken knot on his wrist” says a nostalgic, Sudesh Gupta, a localite.
The gifts that people buy for the occasion have also gone through a makeover. Apart from the simple goodies and sweets that were an expression of love and affection; perfumes, watches, dresses and jewellery have also joined the list, as a show of class and glamour.
