Rakhis get culinary touch this yr, pizza toppings on sibling bonds

Prayagraj: Fast food appears to be inspiring art as rakhis in shapes of pizza, burger, noodles, paav bhaaji and dosa are in vogue this festival season, if retailers are to be belived.
Prayagrah traders claim that rakhis based on fast food and other Indian dishes are in huge demand across the state.
These rakhis are made of materials like plastic and silk thread, metal, pearls, plastic and glass beads and sandalwood. They are being sold in most shops, be it small or big, ahead of Rakshabandhan.
Jai Saran Gupta, a wholesaler who deals in rakhis in Kothaparcha said, “These rakhis are the current hot favourites. They are being brought from Delhi and Haryana and are priced between Rs 10 and 30.”
Available in a range of attractive colours, these rakhis are giving the traditional designs stiff competition this year. “Rakhis featuring fast food brand Maggie are popular among kids. Besides, those with silk threads, beads, peacock feathers or featuring religious symbols like swastika or Ganesha are among the other favourites in the market,” said a local retailer.
Handmade silk rakhis from Varanasi are popular too among women in the city.
City-based retailer Naveen said, “Every year, women look for different and new patterns. Rakhis shaped like South Indian dishes and other fast food is sure to attract a lot of buyers.”