BOND OF AFFECTION: Women tying rakhi to prisoners at the Central Prison on the occasion of Rakhi Pournami in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.. — Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

VISAKHAPATNAM: The spirit of Raksha Bandhan prevailed in every nook and corner of the city on Wednesday. The simple thread that formed the bond of love and protection has gone designer, and a sweet or some money tucked into the sister's palm is now passé. Designer rakhis, which combine the traditional with the contemporary, were a hit this season. Youngsters flocked the markets to get a fashionable gift for their sisters from a range of imported chocolates, kurtis, perfumes, watches, and even laptops! Trying to meet the demands of readymade articles, some shops displayed in their rakhi shelves, an assorted collection of ready-made plates with kumkum, rice, rakhi, and sweets. Rakhis were also exchanged as bond of friendship, a practice that has become an increasingly popular trend, particularly among the school students and college crowd.

While the city basked in the festive revelry to celebrate the special bond, there were others who preferred to observe the day in different ways.

Lucky dip

Rotaract Club of Visakha Satellite City celebrated the day with students of the hostel for the physically challenged at Waltair depot. Eighty students of the hostel and members of the club participated in the programme and four volunteers tied rakhis to the students. A lucky dip contest and singing competition was organised for the hostel students. "We want to help them in every step of their life and extend moral support to them on behalf of our community," said Suman Krishnan, treasurer of Rotaract Club. The Club has been celebrating the day with the physically challenged from the past eight years.

The Brahmakumaris tied rakhis to the inmates of Central Prison and distributed sweets among them.

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