Rakhi Traditions and Rituals

Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated in the same way and through similar traditions for a long time. Only the means have evolved with changing lifestyles and have made Rakhi celebrations more elaborate and lively.

On Rakhi day, sisters prepare the puja thali with diya, roli, chawal, rakhi thread and sweets. The rituals begin with a bath and early morning prayer, sisters tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers amid chanting of mantras, put roli and rice on his forehead and pray for his well-being. She bestows him with gifts and blessings.

In return, the brother acknowledges his sister's love with a promise to stand by his sister through all times, good and bad and pledges to take care of her. He then gives her a return gift. Rakhi gifts symbolize the acceptance of her love, is a reminder of their togetherness and his pledge.

The increasing distances have made people value family time and thus Rakhi day has become a time for family reunions. The joyous meeting, the rare family get-together, that erstwhile feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood also calls for a memorable celebration. Those near and dear ones who are not able to meet each other, send e-rakhis, rakhi cards and/or send rakhi online and through mails on Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan Festival in India

Rakhi is undoubtedly one of the most popular cultural festivals in India. It is an occasion that speaks of the undying love between a brother and a sister. Raksha Bandhan is a promise to protect and cherish forever the sacred bond that symbolises this relationship.

This is one of those rare ancient cultural occasions that does not limit the rituals to a brother and a sister. You need not be a related by blood or family to tie a Rakhi and do pooja on Rakshabandhan. Owing to the regional influence of the local legends and their relevance in different parts of the country, the celebrations of Rakhi in India vary throughout India.

This festival is primarily known as being associated with the north and north western part of the country. But, it can be safely said that with changing times and the world having become a smaller place, this occasion has gained popularity in many parts of this country and even so the world.

Raksha Bandhan Festival : Celebration on 5th August '2009

The festival of Rakhi is a day to celebrate the sacred and eternal bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters. It is believed that a Rakhi thread tied on the brother's wrist strengthen the spirit of brotherhood among siblings.

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Rakhi falls on month of Shravana. The day generally falls in between July-August and this actually corresponds with the Hindu calendar. This festival is also popular by the name 'Rakhi Purnima' as it falls on the full moon day.

Raksha Bandhan Rituals

The origination of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to the ancient period. On this auspicious day, sisters tie beautiful thread called Rakhi or Raksha, which is a symbol of protection, on the wrist of their brothers. The red tilak which the sisters apply on their brother's forehead signifies her unconditional love and affection attached with him. Brothers also recognize the bonding of love and by extending hand towards sisters. They also promise them to protect from all difficult situations and adversaries of life. This Rakhi ceremony is followed with exchange of Rakhi gifts wrapped with love and lots of sentiments.

Preparation of Rakhi festival

Everyone start preparing for this festival much in advance. About a month before the commencement of raksha bandhan, you can see fancy and colorful rakhis in every market. Ladies start shopping for rakhi and rakhi gifts quite early. They shop for new clothes and beautiful rakhi gifts specially the one that have to be sent to their brothers staying far. Almost every shop, be it sweet shops, garment shops, gift shops, or any other shop, all are flooded with attractive rakhi gifts to attract people.

Celebration of Rakhi festival

Nowadays, rakhi celebrations are full of excitement and gaiety all across the world. The markets get flooded with fancy and colorful rakhi and rakhi gifts long before the festival. People get into a mood of shopping new clothes, rakhis, rakhi gifts and many more. Gift shops start offering special rakhi discounts and packages for this occasions. Even the sweet shops start their preparations well in advance to meet the bulk demands on rakhi.