Thaindian News

Lucknow, Aug 12 (IANS) They will not only adorn a brother’s wrist but also greet him and play melodious tunes. They are electronic rakhis being sold here ahead of Raksha Bandhan Saturday.

Raksha Bandhan greetings set to music and blinking lights are salient features in rakhi versions available between Rs.40 and Rs.100. They are proving popular.

“The electronic rakhis have been introduced for the first time in Lucknow,” a stall owner Awadesh Kumar told IANS. “They have become quite popular, particularly among schoolgoers.”

These rakhis are available in various design forms: teddy bear, dolls, video-camera, cartoon characters and even guns.

“The teddy bear is the first choice of the kids,” another rakhi stall owner Hari Verma said. “Probably this is because it is available in different variations of colour and sound, unlike their counterparts that have a limited range.”

These rakhis can be animated at the press of a button. “As soon as the button is pressed, the rakhis exhibit lights, play tunes and say ‘Happy Raksha Bandhan’, depending on the stored features. They stop when the button is pressed again,” Verma said.

Upasana Mehrotra, who bought electronic rakhis for her seven-year-old daughter, agrees with the need for novelty.

“Every time the festival approaches, the children look for new types of rakhis. As the electronic rakhis are the novelty of the season, children are going after them,” she said.