Nagpur: Rakshabandhan Celebrations had a head start for many Women in Vidarbha thanks to the first two instalments of the Chief Minister’s Mazi Ladki Bahin Scheme.
With Rs 3,000 in hand, women, especially from rural areas of Nagpur, rush to the markets to buy rakhis and other festive items.
“Yesterday, the three of us were credited with Rs 3,000 each. So today we have come to Nagpur to buy something special on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. We will buy clothes for our children and also some gifts for our brothers and their children,” said Alka Netam of Kalmeshwar.
With banks closed and ATMs unavailable in many villages, women resorted to online payment for their purchases. It is a double cause for celebration for them as they prepare to tie rakhis on their brothers’ wrists. “After today’s shopping in Sitabuldi, I will travel to Asola, my mother’s house in Wardha district,” said Pratibha Chokse, a domestic helper who was shopping for clothes and gifts in the busy lanes of Sitabuldi.
Interestingly, women get 50% discount on MSRTC tickets under the state government’s ‘Mahila Samman Yojna’, so travelling at half price is a big relief for them too.
This year, vendors have brought rakhis from different places like Gujarat, Hyderabad and Karnataka. Some vendors even have homemade rakhis for sale. More than 30 different rakhis are on display. “For kids this year, there are rakhis for the T20 World Cup, Olympics and superheroes. Chandrayaan, teddy bears, cartoons and mythological characters are also popular options,” said Minesh Lalani, a rakhi wholesaler from Khamla.
The prices of Rakhi vary and range from Rs 10 to Rs 500. “There is also a demand for eco-friendly Rakhis,” says Kalpana Shivhare, who sells Rakhis at her shop.
“Bamboo and wooden rakhis are also in demand. They are expensive but elegant and sturdy,” she added.
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