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KNews Desk: This time on the festival of Rakshabandhan, the shopping style seems to be changing rapidly. While earlier people used to spend hours in the markets to buy Rakhi, sweets and gifts, now e-commerce and quick commerce platforms have made the entire process very easy. From e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart to quick commerce apps like Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart, people are ordering festival essentials within minutes from the comfort of their homes. The biggest change technology has brought about in Rakshabandhan shopping is the delivery time. Earlier, one had to wait for several days for online orders, but due to quick commerce, now things like Rakhi, sweets, Roli-Akshat ki Thali and gift hampers are reaching home within a few minutes. Due to this, the trend of last-minute shopping has increased rapidly and people are able to complete their shopping even on festival days without going to the market.

There is also a change in the choice of gifting. Along with traditional clothes, purses and sweets, tech products like smartwatches, wireless earbuds, power banks and Bluetooth speakers are now becoming the choice of the youth. Personalized photo frames, name accessories and customized gift sets are also attracting people. That means, gifts on Rakshabandhan are now not just a symbol of emotions, but are also linked to useful and modern needs. The effect of increasing awareness towards the environment is also visible on the Rakhi market. This time the demand for eco-friendly and seed rakhis has increased. Seeds are planted in these Rakhis, which can be sown in the soil after the festival. Apart from traditional sweets, options like gourmet chocolates, premium dry-fruit hampers and organic snacks are also becoming increasingly popular.

There has also been a digital change in the way of giving omen. Along with cash, people are using silver coins, silver jewelery and digital gift cards. Gift vouchers from fashion, beauty and electronics brands can be sent instantly via WhatsApp or email. This has made it easier to send gifts even to brothers and sisters who live far away. Apart from e-commerce and quick commerce, AI and personalization have also given a new shape to the gifting market. Customers can now order gifts with name, photo and message as per their choice. Due to this, the demand for products to personal feelings is increasing instead of general gifts.

Big estimates regarding business have also come out on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. According to CAT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, this year the business across the country is estimated to be around Rs 30 thousand crore. This includes the sale of Rakhi, sweets, clothes, gifts, dry fruits, electronic goods, puja material and decorative items. Overall, the Raksha Bandhan market has now moved from traditional stores to digital platforms. While e-commerce has made planned shopping easier, quick commerce has started a new trend of instant shopping. In the coming times, the role of technology and personalization may increase further in festival shopping.