Hyderabad: Raksha Bandhan festival, honouring the sacred bond between siblings, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across Hyderabad on Monday despite the heavy rain . From the early hours, streets were bustling with activity as people thronged markets to prepare for the day, seeking the ideal rakhis, sweets, and presents. Markets in Charminar, Begum Bazaar, and Ameerpet experienced a surge in visitors this year, with vendors offering a variety of rakhis, from traditional designs adorned with beads and sequins to modern versions featuring beloved cartoon characters and even customised options.

The festival’s allure was apparent as shoppers perused the stalls, choosing rakhis that reflected their unique sibling bond . “I always look forward to Raksha Bandhan,” shared Anjali Prasad, a student from Secunderabad, who was spotted at a busy stall in Begum Bazaar. “It’s not just about the rakhi; it’s about the love and the memories that come with it.

Every year, I try to find a rakhi that reflects my brother’s personality. This time, I found one that says ‘Superhero,’ because that’s what he is to me.” Sharing the significance of the festival, Rachna Jagtap, a school teacher from Domalguda, said, “Raksha Bandhan occurs on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan.

It represents a promise of protection, with sisters tying rakhis — a thread of love — on their brothers’ wrists, and brothers pledging lifelong guardianship in return. It�.