Vandhana Khetan, proprietor of Hallmark at Khichapokhari, said sales of rakhi and other gift items has increased because brothers and sisters exchange rakhi and gifts on the occasion of Janai Purnima festival. [break]“Last year, our average daily transaction ahead of the festival was around Rs 10,000 a day. This year it has crossed Rs 20,000 a day,” Khetan told Republica.
Hallmark has rakhi in different designs and price range for both male and female.
“Rakhi is available in the price range of Rs 50 to Rs 300 in our store,” Khetan said, adding, “Most of the people go for the expensive rachis with stones and crystals embedded on them.”
According to gift store owners, statues of different gods and goddesses, tortoise statue, which is known as symbol of lucky charm, ceramic cups, and cards are mostly in demand this year. Rakhis are available in the price range of Rs 50 to Rs 300, statue of gods and goddess are priced between Rs 150 to Rs 1,500, and tortoise statue costs in range of Rs 200 to Rs 500. Similarly, greeting cards are available in the price range of Rs 50 to Rs 500.
“Though exchanging rakhis is an Indian tradition, many Nepalis have started following it,” Prem Lal Shrestha, sales executive of Archies Gallery at Battisputali, said. “This has led to rise in demand for rachis and gift items.”
According to Shrestha, the demand for ceramic items, statues of Lord Ganesh and greeting cards is high in the market this year.
Average daily transaction of Archies Gallery has increased to around Rs 10,000 a day ahead of the Janai Purnima festival, from around Rs 5,000 a day recorded during festive season of last year.
“Until a few years ago, only Indians used to by rakhi and gift items during Janai Purnima festival. Now, even Nepalis are buying rakhi and the number is growing with every passing year,” said Shrestha.
Gift stores in Nepal import rakhis from India, while other gift items from China, India and Thailand.
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