Silver Loses Shine As Ghibli Art & Custom Rakhis Take Over

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): As Raksha Bandhan draws near, Indore's bustling rakhi markets are witnessing a major shift in consumer preferences. While silver rakhis have long held a place of prestige, this year tells a different story.

A steep rise in silver prices has made many turn away from the traditional choice, with buyers instead gravitating towards creative, personalised, and budget-friendly options like acrylic cartoon rakhis, photo rakhis, and even Japanese Ghibli-art inspired designs.

Silver rakhis see dip in sales

According to local traders, the demand for silver rakhis has dropped considerably in 2025. Krishna Soni, a silver rakhi seller, shared, “Last year, our silver rakhi sales had crossed Rs 1 lakh. This time, the response has been slow. A 30 per cent rise in silver rates per kilo has directly impacted affordability.”

Silver rakhis, typically priced between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000, have become less attractive for budget-conscious buyers. Traders note that even regular customers who would opt for silver every year are now exploring alternative options that offer more variety at a lower cost.

Female inmates craft purposeful rakhis

Adding a deeper social dimension to the festival, female inmates at Central Jail Indore are producing handcrafted rakhis as part of a skill-building and rehabilitation programme. Under the direction of jail superintendent Alka Sonkar, women inmates have been receiving rakhi-making training over the past ten days.

“The goal is to make 1,000 rakhis, which will be available to the public through the Kanha outlet located at the jail,” Sonkar said. The rakhis will be priced between Rs 10 and Rs 80, making them both accessible and socially meaningful.

This initiative not only provides income and purpose to the inmates but also allows the public to support rehabilitation efforts while celebrating the festival.

Custom and pop-culture designs dominate

While silver has taken a back seat, other designs have surged ahead. Anju Bawecha, a local vendor, observed a clear trend among younger buyers. “This year, cartoon-themed acrylic rakhis and custom photo rakhis are flying off the shelves. Designs inspired by Studio Ghibli and other pop-culture references are also gaining popularity.”

These rakhis, priced between Rs 60 and Rs 100, offer a mix of personal touch and affordability. Sellers say customers are increasingly seeking unique and meaningful rakhis that reflect the personality of the sibling they are gifting it to.

Ghibli rakhis make a quiet statement

One of the most talked-about trends this year is the rise of Ghibli-art-inspired rakhis. Featuring siblings in the style of iconic Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle, these rakhis appeal to anime fans and younger siblings alike.

“We’ve had people specially asking for their Ghibli photo rakhis,” said Bawecha. “They want something that feels personal and fun, and Ghibli style brings that nostalgic charm.” These rakhis, blending aesthetics and emotional value, are quickly becoming conversation starters at local stalls.