School students buy national flags in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14: College student Arpita Sahoo, a 19-year-old girl, has collected a tricolour wristband and a glittering badge depicting the India flag that she is all set to flaunt tomorrow.

A key ring of the shape of India’s map, again with the colours of the flag, along with temporary tricolour tattoos are corporate employee Sushant’s choice.

Independence Day celebrations have been redefined in the capital with enthusiastic youngsters finding innovative ways to express patriotism. Commemorative items have flooded the markets for the occasion and young patriots are wasting no time to collect these articles.

City streets are lined up with small kiosks that sell flags — both cloth and plastic ones. These kiosks also offer stickers, pens, wristbands, balloons, showpieces and many other articles that are attracting youngsters.

“The sale of flags is enormous just around Independence Day. But the same applies to all the articles that school and college students like to flaunt on this occasion. All these articles give a touch of patriotism,” said Biswajit Swain, a vendor.

The wristbands come in the shape of friendship bands as well as sweatbands. Some of the most popular items are flag-shaped metal and plastic badges. Some of these come with a gloss effect that have a glittering look and even the hologram effect, while some others have the matte finish. Youngsters can be seen wearing them on chest pockets, sleeves and even on ties.

“Badges are available in different sizes and shapes and go with anything we wear. For me, wearing a tricolour badge is the best way to express patriotism throughout the day, even at times when you may not be able to carry the flag with you,” said Sudeshna Patnaik, an engineering student.

Flags are available in plastic, paper and cloth, while khadi flags have been the most sought after.

“Khadi National Flags are available in four different sizes — 72x48 inches, 54x36 inches, 36x24 inches and 9x6 inches. We mostly get bulk orders from government and corporate offices that prefer 72x48 inches flags. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, go for 54x36 inches size National Flags,” said Anam Chandra Das, a shopkeeper of khadi products.

Gift stores have also come up with special items to woo young customers this Independence Day.

“We have decorative items with the tricolour for those who are holding celebrations on the occasion. Cards, gift items, stickers, pens, memoirs are also preferred by college-goers,” said Raman Lohia, owner of a gift store.

The price of items available for Independence Day ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 500.