“I’ve been selling rakhis at Begum Bazaar for the last seven years, but my family has been in this business for generations. Begum Bazaar has always been one of Hyderabad’s busiest markets, known for its wholesale shops, traditional goods, and the kind of old-world charm you don’t find everywhere. During Raksha Bandhan, the lanes come alive with colourful handcrafted rakhis.

For me, the beauty of this work is in the handmade tradition. Each rakhi is crafted with care, whether it’s a simple cotton thread or an ornate design, because it’s not just an ornament, it’s a promise. Customers often come with stories about their brothers and ideas for something special, and we try to bring those ideas to life. Over the years, I’ve seen the same families return, which tells me these small threads carry memories worth keeping.

The relationships I’ve built here, with customers and fellow shopkeepers, have made this more than just a business. As we say in our culture, ‘The bond between a brother and sister is tied by love, but strengthened by tradition.’ The connections we share are what make this festival truly special.”

— Dharmender Singh, Rakhi vendor, Begum Bazaar

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