Rakhi or RakshaBandhan : Traditions and Customs 

Rakshabandhan is on 16th Aug 2008

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Raksha Bandhan falls on the full moon of late August every year in which a woman ties a rakhi around the wrist of her brother(s). The Rakhi may be a decorative string in the form of a designer dial fitted with threads, a colorful bracelet, or a simple bright colored thread. But the spirit they reflect remains the same with all the variety and forms.

Though customs and rituals associated with Raksha Bandhan differ from region to region but the the celebration of the holy brother-sister nexus catches the same mood gaeity and fervor in every Indian home. 

Rakhis are made or bought a day before the festival. Traditional goodies and dishes are prepared early in the morning. Traditionally on the day of the Raksha Bandhan following an early bath, the offering Puja (worshipping of god) takes place. The thread-tying is preceded by the sister performing 'aarti' (offering light of flames) before her brother, so that the blessings of God may be showered upon him. By tying the rakhi, she signifies her loving attachment to her brother. The brother, likewise, recognizes the special bonds between them, and by extending his wrist forward, he in fact extends the hand of his protection over her. All this comes to the accompaniment of her enunciation or chanting of a mantra, which may be in Sanskrit or one of the other Indian languages. Traditional "tilak" or vermilion powder on the forehead of the brother is put and the brother, if elder, blesses the sister.

Tradition also sees brothers bestowing token gifts often in the form of money, usually of small denominations, in return. Exchange of other gifts has also been in practice for quite some time. The gift acts as a symbol of love and affection of the brother towards the sister. However, the blessing bestowed by the brother itself is regarded as the biggest gift for the sister. Treating the brother with the goods and eatables, home-made or bought, follows next. Of course, the brother has the option of sharing the the treats with the sister and the rest of the family. The normal rituals are followed with great devotion and dedication.

Well, for those who are separated by distance it has been a common practice today to send Raakhis, Raakhi greetings and gifts before hand. Do you belong to them? Well, don't call yourself unfortunate. We feel the deep love you nurture for your Rakhi-relation. And we offer a special arrangement for all such Indians living in other parts of the world. 

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