With Raksha Bandhan around the corner, shops in various markets of Mumbai are currently adorned with rakhis. If you are looking to buy the same, here's your guide to rakhi markets in Mumbai
One can find a wide variety of rakhi designs at Mumbai's local markets (Pics/Raaina Jain)
With the arrival of August, Mumbai comes alive with the festive spirit. Starting with Raksha Bandhan on August 9, the month is full of occasions for people to get together and celebrate. Amid the preparations, it is no surprise that the local markets in the city are already immersed in festivities with Mumbaikars browsing the streets for rakhis, gifts, décor items, and other essentials.
Shops in various markets of Mumbai are currently adorned with rakhis – the vibrant threads that embody the essence of the festival. From traditional motifs to trending designs, you will be able to spot every kind of rakhi in the city, if you know where to look.
Here's your complete guide to some of the most popular rakhi markets in the city, which feature both wholesale and retail rakhi shops.
Dadar rakhi market
Is any festive shopping complete without a visit to Dadar market? From flowers to décor items, the market central to almost every part of the city has it all. It is one of the best destinations in Mumbai to buy rakhis.
Near Dadar station, the Ranade Road market is home to several shops that feature a wide variety of rakhis. From traditional rakhi designs to those that reflect the trends of the modern world, there’s something for everyone.
One of the most unique ones that we spotted is the Labubu Doll rakhi. With the collectible trending, you may just be convinced to buy it among other attention-grabbing and trending designs. One can find other innovative rakhis too.
One can find the trending Labubu Doll rakhis at Dadar market
Where: Ranade Road Market, Dadar West
How to reach: Walk from Dadar station
Uniqueness: Innovative designs like Labubu dolls, bracelet rakhis, camera rakhi that doubles as a key chain, etc.
Price range: Rs 10 to Rs 200
Bhuleshwar rakhi market
Tucked away in the narrow lanes of South Mumbai's Bhuleshwar market is a vibrant world of rakhis that is steeped in culture and tradition. Here, you will find rakhis created by traditional rakhi makers from the Patwa community.
Patwa rakhis are known for their intricate thread-work and bead-work, and that is instantly visible as we explore the market, which houses varied collections of traditional rakhi designs. From rakhis that bear the fragrance of chandan (sandalwood) to the ones that feature unique bead combinations, one will be spoilt for choice while browsing through the designs.
Most rakhis at Bhuleshwar market are created by traditional rakhi makers from the Patwa community
Bhuleshwar rakhi market is primarily a wholesale market, and several vendors across Mumbai buy their stock of rakhis from here. However, you may also find a few retail shops.
Where: 1st/2nd/3rd Bhoiwada Lane, Bhuleshwar, Marine Lines East
How to reach: Take a 'kaali-peeli' taxi from Charni Road station or Marine Lines station (Western Line), or CSMT (Central Line). You may have to walk if the taxi driver drops you a bit away from the destination because of the market area.
Uniqueness: Wide variety of traditional Patwa rakhis
Price range: Rs 10 to Rs 200 (retail)
Malad rakhi market
If you are looking for a market in the western suburbs, one location that you can explore is the Malad West station market. While the locals tell us that there are comparatively fewer rakhi shops here than previous years, you will still find several options to choose from.
There are some wholesale as well as retail shops here. One of the most distinctive features that we spotted are the wide range of ‘Bhai-Bhabhi’ rakhis. From colourful combos to individual rakhis and rakhi bracelets/kadas (bangles) for women, one can explore different options.
At Malad market, one can find different options of rakhis/rakhi bracelets for sisters-in-law
Some of the rakhis also include small packets of ‘roli (vermillion)’ and ‘chawal (rice)’ which are especially helpful if you want to courier the rakhi elsewhere. Here, you will also find diverse options for children’s rakhis, ranging from cartoons to superhero characters.
Where: Near The Mall, Malad West station road
How to reach: Walk from Malad station
Uniqueness: Wide range of ‘Bhai-Bhabhi’ rakhis and unique packaging
Price range: Rs 10 to Rs 450
If you already haven't bought your rakhi, this guide will help you explore different kinds of designs without any challenges.
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