Raksha Bandhan Celebration

As the calendar pages turn, that much-awaited time of the year is almost here - Raksha Bandhan! A celebration of the beautiful bond between siblings, it brings back a flood of heartfelt memories filled with love, laughter, and playful teasing. Just hearing the word instantly takes us back to those unforgettable moments of “Main is saal ise rakhi nahi bandhungi!” and “Tera asli gift to main hoon, aur kya chahiye?”

And here you are, smiling widely, because something special just came to mind.

More than just a ritual, Raksha Bandhan is a prayer and a promise for safety, well-being, and everlasting connection. But did you know? This day also celebrates the four pillars of life: safety, food, knowledge, and joy. 

The Regional Traditions

1. Narali/Nariyal Purnima - A Prayer for Safety and Prosperity

Celebrated by: the Koli community of Maharashtra and the Konkan region.

Main Ritual: The Koli community celebrates this day with traditional songs and regional dance. They worship Lord Varuna, the deity of oceans and water in Hinduism, for a prosperous beginning to the fishing season and a safe journey at sea, as the monsoon comes to an end.

Symbolism: Coconuts (nariyal) are offered to the sea as a symbol of devotion and gratitude. Boats are also worshipped to seek protection.

Cultural Elements: Coconut-based sweets and dishes are prepared for the celebration.

2. Kajari Purnima - A Prayer for Food

Celebrated by: Farming communities in Central India.

Main Ritual: This day marks the beginning of sowing crops, such as wheat and barley. Preparations start from the ninth day after Shravan Amavasya. Women collect soil from fields in leaf cups, in which barley is sown. These cups are kept in dark rooms that are cleaned with cow dung and mud. 

Symbolism: The rooms are decorated with rice paste designs, such as a child in a cradle or a house. This ritual symbolizes the nurturing of life, like one is nurtured in the womb. The act represents prayers for healthy crop growth and food security. 

Cultural Elements: Farmers and their families worship Goddess Bhagwati for the well-being of their crops.

3. Avani Avittam/Upakramam/Jandhyala Purnima - A Prayer for Knowledge

Celebrated by: Brahmin communities in South India. 

Main Ritual: On this day, Brahmins change their sacred threads (Janeu) during a ritual held near a holy water body. It is considered a shedding of past sins with the old thread and a promise to pursue spiritual learning. 

Symbolism: The ritual signifies spiritual renewal and a commitment to religious knowledge through sacred texts.

Cultural Elements: The day begins with a ritual bath, followed by chanting the Gayatri Mantra 108 to 1008 times. Sweets are also prepared and exchanged.

4. Jhulan Purnima - A Prayer for Love and Joy

Celebrated by: Devotees in cities such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Mayapur, the Jagannath Temple in Odisha, and ISKCON temples

Main Ritual: Swings (Jhulas) are decorated with flowers and garlands. Idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on the swings and worshipped with devotion.

Symbolism: The decorated swings represent joy, divine love, and celebration.

Cultural Elements: The day is celebrated with devotional songs and dance. Special Prasadam is prepared and distributed among devotees.

These diverse traditions carry the same essence of celebration on this auspicious day.

FAQ’s About Rakhi Customs

The ways to celebrate Rakhi have blossomed in modern times - from cheerful "all-hands" photo to creative social media edits. Even the new gift exchange between brothers and sisters has become a unique way to celebrate love and bond.

And while we've all added our twists to the celebration, many Rakhi customs, from the thali to the simple act of applying tilak, carry meanings that go deeper than we often realize. If you're someone who believes that contemporary gestures, when rooted in tradition, make the festival even more memorable, here are some ideas you'll love. 

Q. Which sweet is best for Raksha Bandhan?

A. That’s such a sweet question, literally! In many families, there is always that one mithai dominating its space, like an unplanned tradition. But you are here in the mood to try something unique, so these are some festive favorites – 

• Kaju Katli - A silky cashew treat that melts in the mouth. 
• Mawa Barfi - Rich and fudgy, made from thickened milk.
• Chocolate Barfi - A perfect fusion of tradition and modern flavor. 
• Malai Laddoo - Soft, creamy, and delicately sweet.
• Makhana Kheer - Light, nutty, and loaded with dry fruits.
• Moongdal Kheer - A hearty, wholesome dessert with a festive feel. 
• Ghevar - A crunchy Rajasthani delight soaked in syrup. 
• Malpua - Fried, fluffy, and soaked in sweet nostalgia.
• Sewiyan - Comfort in a bowl, especially for Rakhi mornings. 
• Kalakand - Milky, moist, and a timeless festive favorite. 

Q. How to prepare Rakhi Thali?

A. The Rakhi Thali is traditionally prepared with simple yet symbolic items, which are easily available.

• Kumkum (Kankoo) - For applying the auspicious tilak on the brother's forehead.
• Akshat (Chawal) - Unbroken rice grains, symbolizing purity and prosperity.
• Kalash - A small pot or container with water, representing abundance and life. 
• Rakhi - The sacred thread tied on the brother's wrist, symbolizing protection and love.
• Mithai - Sweets offered and shared after the ritual to celebrate the bond. 
• Nariyal (Coconut) - Sign of purity and completeness, often placed in the thali or given to the brother. 
• Coins or Money - A token of blessing, prosperity, or Shagun. 
• Fruits - Representing health, freshness, and the sweet nature of the relationship. 
• Dry Fruits - Symbolizing richness, nourishment, and festive abundance.

Q. What is the mantra for Raksha Bandhan?

A. येन बद्धो बलि राजा, दानवेन्द्रो महाबल:।

   तेन त्वाम् प्रतिबद्धनामि रक्षे माचल माचल:।।

Meaning - I tie this raksha (sacred thread) on your wrist, the same kind that once bound the mighty demon king Bali. May this thread protect you always, just as Lord Vishnu protected him. 

Q. Do sisters fast on Raksha Bandhan?

A. Yes, in some cultures, sisters observe a fast until the rakhi is tied. They break their fast with sweets after tying rakhi. It is a gesture of prayer for their brother’s long, healthy, and prosperous life.