“We’re seeing people come in with a much clearer idea of what they want this year — pearls

Here are the Rakhi trends making their way into festive shopping baskets this season.

The humble Rakhi is getting a style upgrade this Raksha Bandhan , with shoppers moving beyond the traditional thread towards designs that feel more personal, wearable and fashion-forward. “We’re seeing people come in with a much clearer idea of what they want this year — pearls, kundan, personalised Rakhis and even bracelet styles. They want something that feels special, but also reflects their personality,” says Rita, who runs a festive gifting and Rakhi store. Here are the Rakhi trends making their way into festive shopping baskets this season.

1. Kundan & Meenakari Rakhis Kundan and meenakari Rakhis are bringing the look of traditional Indian jewellery to the wrist. With colourful stones, intricate enamel work and ornate detailing, they work especially well with festive Indianwear and are a go-to for those who like their Rakhi a little more luxe.
2. Pearl Rakhis For a quieter take on the festival, pearl Rakhis are having a moment. Delicate pearl strands, pearl charms and tiny embellishments give them a softer, more elegant finish. They are also easy to wear with both Indian and Western outfits.
3. Crochet Rakhis Crochet is bringing a playful, handmade quality to the Rakhi edit. Colourful flowers, textured threads, tiny motifs and quirky shapes make these especially appealing to younger shoppers who want something less conventional.
4. Personalised Rakhis Names, initials, photographs, zodiac signs and customised charms are making Rakhis more sentimental this year. Rather than choosing a design that could belong to anyone, shoppers are opting for details that are specific to their sibling — whether that is their name, a shared photograph or a tiny symbol that has a personal meaning.
5. Handloom Rakhis Silk, cotton, zari and woven textiles are giving the traditional Rakhi a distinctly Indian craft element. These designs are less about heavy embellishment and more about texture, colour and the material itself, making them a natural choice for those who prefer a more understated festive aesthetic.
6. Rudraksha & Spiritual Rakhis For those who prefer a more traditional and symbolic Rakhi, Rudraksha beads, sandalwood, Om symbols and Ganesha motifs remain a popular choice. These designs place more emphasis on the protective and spiritual significance associated with Raksha Bandhan.
7. Bracelet Rakhis The bracelet Rakhi is perhaps the most fashion-conscious of the bunch. Designed with beads, metal charms, chains or leather detailing, these are meant to resemble everyday bracelets rather than something that is removed immediately after the festival.
8. Eco-friendly Rakhis Seed paper, jute, wood and terracotta are giving the festive staple a more earthy, handmade finish. Beyond the aesthetic, these Rakhis appeal to shoppers who want to move away from plastic-heavy or disposable festive products, with some designs even incorporating materials that can be planted or reused. Written By: Aashna Reddy Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.