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.

Making of Handmade Rakhi Cards

Handmade Rakhi cards are perfect to add a personal touch to the celebration. There are few interesting ideas for making various types of Rakhi cards to show the love and affection. One can take inspiration from the following ideas and can create an innovative and special Rakhi card for his or her brother or sister.

Embroidered Rakhi Cards

Embroidered rakhi cards are easy and fast to make. They simply look stunning and lure the receiver. So make these cards by your own and win the heart of your brother or sister or any other person.

Material Required :-

• Paper card sheet

• Colored embroidery threads

• Sewing needle

• Glass beads

• Tracing paper
  

Method :

The making of embroidery Rakhi cards is fast and easy. Firstly, cut the card paper in the desired size and fold it from the center. Trace the pattern on the front side of the card. Stitch or paste the beads wherever desired. Write the Rakhi message with the help of marker or embroidery. Stick a Rakhi on the inside along with a small pouch of roli-rice.

Mouli-Frame Rakhi Card

Mouli is mainly a thread which was considered as holy thread for any religious rites. Rakhi cards made up of these mouli threads are easy to make and look extremely beautiful. The following simple steps can help you make such rakhi in minutes.

Materials Required :-

• Handmade card paper

• Mouli or Kalawa

• Red and yellow color

• A small carved Ganesh or Swastika.
  

Method :-
Now cut the paper into desired size and fold the paper from the centre. Leaving some border, paste the mouli-thread making a rectangle, the size of this rectangle may vary as per your design. Line with a decorative border on the inside using red and yellow colors and paste the motif of Ganesha or Swastika a little off center towards top and write 'Happy Raksha Bandhan' or similar short message below the motif.

Mouli Rakhi Card with contemporary look
Make the mouli framed rakhi card by using the above instructions. Now if you wish to give it a contemporary look, use a lace or ribbon instead a mouli. You can also use pressed flowers at the centre and write your message inside the card. Enclose the Rakhi envelope with Akshat and tika.