Sisters across Ranchi, who are anxiously hoping that their message of love gets delivered to their brothers on time, can finally heave a sigh of relief.

Keeping the rush for Raksha Bandhan in mind, Jharkhand postal circle has directed employees to ensure all rakhis get delivered to every household within the capital by August 18.

To ensure hassle-free delivery, Ranchi GPO near Shaheed Chowk, has deputed 16 additional staffs for sorting out and packing the rakhis. Besides, four extra counters have been opened each at Doranda head office and Ranchi GPO.

"I will personally ensure that not a single rakhi is left behind in the Ranchi post office," reiterated Anil Kumar, postmaster general of Jharkhand postal circle.

At the behest of Kumar's direction, postal employees had to report to duty on August 15 for packing the rakhis in separate envelopes.

"Usually our postmen deliver letters once a day, but nowadays they are delivering rakhis twice a day. Furthermore all our staffs will be on duty till 9pm on August 18," said deputy postmaster Amrendra Kumar.

Meanwhile, post offices are also getting overburdened with customer complaints over the delay in rakhi delivery. 

Anuj Singh, whose sister had posted a rakhi from Bangalore on August 2, whined about still not receiving it. “My rakhi still did not get delivered. The postal staff assured that it will get delivered by tonight.” 

BANDOBAST FOR A BOND

Postal employees sort Raksha Bandhan messages and gifts at the Ranchi GPO at Albert Ekka Chowk on Tuesday, in the run-up to the Thursday festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, while girls (below) sift through rakhis in varying shapes and sizes at a roadside stall. Anil Kumar, postmaster-general of Jharkhand Postal Circle, has said he would ensure all rakhis reached their respective destinations by 9pm on Thursday. Demand for handcrafted rakhis with cartoon motifs is on the rise in the capital this year. Among the top picks are Spider-man, Chhota Bheem and Ben 10. They are pocket-friendly at Rs 20-30. Pictures by Hardeep Singh