Chinese friendship bands outsmart innovative Rakhis

Varanasi, July 31 (UNI) Even as popular toon characters including Spiderman and Superman prepare to give a new colour to endeared bond of 'Raksha Bandhan', Chinese 'friendship bands' are gradually outpacing the sale of innovative Rakhis.

The 'Friendship Day' falling on August Six has jacked up the demand for cheap and bright coloured friendship bands from China in Raja Darwaza area -- housing the wholesale market of Rakhis here.

''It is not the Rakhis in variegated colours and designs that are procuring us brisk business, but the Chinese bands supplied from Howrah (West Bengal) have managed maximum demand this Raksha Bandhan falling on August nine,'' said Mumtaz Ahmad, in the wholesale business of Rakhis for the last three decades.

''We have already sold out 5,000 pieces of the Chinese bands, which are also used for tyieng gifts. Fresh orders have been sent for the band following more demand,'' he added.

The popularity of friendship bands over Rakhis not only stems from the fact that the Friendship Day is predating Raksha Bandhan this year. ''It is the sisters too who are aiming to make their brothers their best friends,'' said Faisal, a retail Rakhi seller.

While, the Chinese bands make merry in the strange communion between Friendship Day and Raksha Bandhan, the sale of innovative Rakhis including those bearing toon characters is also gaining momentum.

''The maximum demand has been for Rakhis sporting Superman and Spiderman in the background, while those bearing teddy bears are the favourite among little sisters,'' said Faisal.

But, giving fight to the western toon characters in the 'desi' superman in 'Krish' -- from Hritik Roshan starrer flick -- and also the Rakhis crafted in Rajasthani style.

The Rakhis promising the fragrance of sandalwood from sisters to brothers are also finding takers.

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