Ludhiana, Aug. 9 -- City markets are bursting with colour, tradition and festive cheer on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Popular shopping hubs like Jawahar Nagar Camp, Ghumar Mandi, and Daresi saw a surge in footfall on Friday, as shoppers thronged last-minute stalls to pick the perfect rakhi.

This year, a vibrant mix of traditional and modern rakhi designs is captivating buyers. From Rudraksha beads and religious motifs to intricate Meenakari and Kundan work, timeless styles continue to dominate the market. Vendors say their affordability and cultural relevance keep them in high demand.

"Even with so many modern styles available, people still prefer traditional rakhis," said Rohit Kumar, a vendor at Jawahar Nagar Camp. "They are comfo...