Nagpur: The city soaked in the spirit of Rakshabandhan on Monday, with the monsoon adding extra charm to the festivities . While the day began with overcast skies and intermittent showers, the auspicious time for tying rakhis from 1.35pm onwards brought with it a burst of sunshine & unbridled joy.

This Rakshabandhan the ‘Ladki Bahin’ thread was trending. Brothers and sisters flooded social media with pictures and messages using the hashtag ‘Ladki Bahin’. The extended weekend proved to be a boon for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Many families opted for ‘destination Rakhi’, choosing picturesque locations to celebrate the special bond. “My elder sister stays abroad, and she came especially for Rakhi this year. So, we decided to celebrate the day with all cousins at a resort near Pench,” said Alankar Bhivani, an IT Professional.

From nearby hill stations to exotic getaways, the trend of celebrating Rakshabandhan away from home gained significant popularity. Although jungle safaris are not happening due to the monsoon, the resorts around jungles were full. When it came to gifts, electronic gadgets reigned supreme this year.

“New 5G phones and accessories are youngsters’ top choice for gifts,” shared Manish Lal, who deals in electronics. “The latest smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles were the most sought-after gifts,” he added. However, the allure of gold remained undiminished, despite fluctuating prices.

Jewellery stores w.