Kolkata, Aug. 28 -- As threads of affection crossed wrists and distances alike, Bengal celebrated Raksha Bandhan on Friday with traditional fervour while embracing newer ways of expressing sibling bonds.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Governor R N Ravi extended Raksha Bandhan greetings. Adhikari wished that the relationship would remain strong and everlasting. Ravi said: "May this sacred bond grow ever stronger, bringing enduring happiness and strengthening the values of care and respect that enrich our society."
Kolkata's jewellery stores witnessed strong demand for premium gold and diamond rakhis, with prices starting at around Rs 10,000 and going up to Rs 1 lakh for intricate designs. Jewellery traders attributed the demand to the festival's special significance, while also noting that rising gold prices had pushed up the cost of these premium rakhis.
Alongside traditional rakhis, digital versions also found takers, particularly among siblings staying away from one another. Customisable virtual rakhis, featuring names, photographs and personal messages, offered families a way to celebrate despite the distance. The festival also carried an inclusive note at the India Autism Center, which held Threads of Belonging, an art therapy-led rakhi-making workshop in Kolkata on August 27. Neurodiverse individuals, their siblings and friends came together to make and exchange personalised rakhis.
In another unique celebration, sex workers at Sonagachi exchanged rakhis with one another. Mahasweta Mukherjee, advocacy officer of an organisation working with sex workers, said the gesture reflected their commitment to stand by
one another.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.