'Rakhi special envelopes' introduced by the postal department are witnessing a surge in demand

VARANASI: With the festival of Rakshabandhan drawing closer, 'rakhi special envelopes' introduced by the postal department are witnessing a surge in demand at various post offices across the city. According to officials at postal department, unlike last year, demand for these exclusively designed 'rakhi envelopes' has shot up twice this year. 

"While last year, we somehow managed to sell only around 670 rakhi envelopes, this time we have already sold more than 1,500 rakhi envelopes, " treasurer (TR5) of head post office at Visheshwarganj, Radhe Shyam Singh told TOI on Tuesday. "Keeping in mind the increasing demand, we have written to the company to send us 1,000 more envelopes," he added. 

Singh said, "These envelopes with plastic coating and tear resistant features were introduced to prevent the damage often caused by rain." These are not only light weight and easy to carry but are also bigger in size than ordinary envelopes and accommodate rakhi easily, he added. 

Senior post master of head post office Visheshwarganj, OP Singh said,"This year we only have some 300 envelopes left with us. These special envelopes take a maximum of four to five days to be delivered in interior areas of North-eastern region, where as in other areas it takes about three days," he informed. 

These specially-designed envelopes are available at a price of Rs 7.50 per envelope, with extra postage charges. These can be sent either by registered post, ordinary post or speed post. While the additional charge for speed post is Rs. 40, the charge for registered post is Rs. 22. 

he envelopes called 'rakhi envelopes' are available in two different colours including yellow and pink, bearing a picture of rakhi and logo of postal department. 

Pragati Kumari, a resident of Lohatia area, while purchasing rakhi envelope at counter in post office, said, "Every year, I use these rakhi envelopes to send rakhi to my brother in Delhi. These are tear resistant and these are given due preference during this period as the department wants to deliver rakhi on time." Annchal Gupta said, "Last time, I had sent rakhi to my brothers in ordinary envelopes and the rakhis were damaged. My friend suggested to go for this special envelope and I hope it reaches safely." 

Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Rakhi-special-envelopes-in-demand/articleshow/48707684.cms