Pokemon, Bheem, Doremon threaded into Rakhi colours

Even if you have not managed to catch hold of all of them (while playing Pokeman Go on your mobile phones), you should feel blessed if your sister ties you a Pokemon rakhi this Raksha Bandhan. Pokemon rakhis are a rage this year in the market and are selling like hot cakes. Shops are fast running out of stock across cities. 

In addition, Chota Bheem, minions, Angry Birds, The Hulk, Spider man and Star Wars character rakhis are also flying off the shelves. This year, the traditional thread has taken a swanky avatar where brothers can flaunt their favourite cartoon character on their wrists. 

A walk down the markets in Sowcarpet, Purusawalkam and Kilpauk revealed that most shopkeepers had exhausted their stock of Pokemon rakhis. Suresh Jain, owner of Guneshmal Nathmal Jain Export and Import store in Mint Street, Sowcarpet confirms the huge demand. “The cartoon characters are a huge rage this season. So many girls have walked into the store looking for Pokemon or Chota Bheem rakhis this year. We had to replenish our existing stock quite a few times to meet the demand. Now we are out of Pokemon rakhis,” says Suresh. 

Popular movie and cartoon characters, both cutesy ones and superheroes - The Hulk, Minions and Spiderman - are a hit with kids when they go rakhi-shopping. “My 5-year-old brother is a huge fan of Pikachu and I have promised to get him a Pikachu rakhi this time. I will also be buying a Spiderman rakhi for my cousin brother. But now, seeing so many popular characters from cartoons and comic strips, I am spoilt for choice,” says Shravni Gupta, a resident of Kilpauk. 

Rakhibazaar.com, an online store that was in news last year for selling unique rakhis, gifts and hampers is back this year with its 2016 collection. The store recently unveiled its rakhi catalogue. “Pokeman rakhis are in high demand this year owing to the popular game. Even adults are opting for it. In addition, we have Pikachu, Doremon and many other cartoon and superhero rakhis. They have all been a huge sell-out this season,” says Deelip Kumar, founder, Rakhibazaar.com who has a steady customer base in Chennai.