Visakhapatnam: Shops across Visakhapatnam are buzzing with excitement as Rakhi Purnima approaches, transforming the city’s commercial lanes into vibrant corridors of celebration.From roadside stalls to established storefronts, traders are decking their spaces with colourful decorations and festive stocks, hoping to capture the attention of families preparing for this cherished occasion. Recognising the emotional and cultural significance of Rakhi, many sellers are sourcing intricately designed rakhis from Kolkata and Hyderabad to meet the growing demand. Women and girls of all ages are enthusiastically browsing through rakhi collections. Sellers, in turn, are doing everything they can to welcome customers with a variety of options, affordability, and heartfelt service. S. Ramya, a roadside vendor, shared her approach with Deccan Chronicle, “I bring rakhis from Hyderabad and Kolkata. I not only sell rakhis on the road but also try to reach out to customers online by posting the images on Instagram.” Her efforts reflect the evolving nature of small businesses, blending tradition with digital outreach to connect with a broader audience. P. Santosh, who has been selling rakhis for three years, hopes to earn at least `20,000 this season. Vendors typically invest between `10,000 to `15,000, to purchase rakhis in bulk, hoping that festive sales would help them support their families. Unsold stock is carefully preserved for the next year, a practice rooted in both frugality and foresight. The prices of rakhis this season range from `5 to `300, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. While some sellers showcase their wares in elaborate shopfronts, others extend their displays into the streets to attract foot traffic. Sayyad Bhasha, who operates from a shop extension, noted the growing competition: “New rakhi sellers are appearing every few metres. Earlier, crowds would gather in fewer places, but now the market is more spread out.” Online shopping has also become a popular option, especially for those sending rakhis to siblings in distant towns. S Hasini shared, “The main reason for buying rakhis online is to save on courier costs. I find it easy to order rakhis online and send them directly to my brothers’ addresses.” As Rakhi Purnima approaches, the festive spirit reaches its peak. Despite changing trends and increasing competition, the essence of the festival, love, protection, and connection continues to flourish throughout Visakhapatnam.
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