Raksha Bandhan is a day dedicated to celebrating the unique bond shared by brothers and sisters. The bond of unconditional love that they never verbally express to each other. They fight with each other and tease each other mercilessly, but never let anyone else do that to their sibling. Siblings share a relationship where the sister always becomes the secret-keeper. In contrast, the brother becomes her all-time supporter and protector. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in many forms of people with different traditions. People celebrate the festival in different ways residing in other parts of India. Rakhi is an occasion that depicts the love, care, and duty between siblings and falls in the Shravana month of the Hindu calendar. Here are some ways and regions related to the celebration of Raksha Bandhan are described below:
Raksha Bandhan Celebration in Northern Region
Rakhi is celebrated popularly in the northern parts of India, which has many kinds of people hailing from different states like Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and other conditions. And the celebration of this sacred festival in these regions performs some rituals as mentioned below:
Buying of Rakhi
Before the coming of Raksha Bandhan, sisters begin buying rakhis for their brother from the market that is specially decorated for the festival. They look out for special Rakhi in the form of colorful threads, silver rakhi, bracelet rakhi, rudraksha rakhi, and other men’s wrist accessories for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. You can also check out the colorful Rakhi gifts for your beloved brother here.
Performing Rakhi Rituals
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers and sisters wear new clothes and observe the festival in the presence of their parents, elders, and grandparents. The ritual involves lighting a diya or earthen lamp, which represents the fire deity, and performing aarti by the sisters. They perform prayers for the well-being of their brother and apply a “tilak” on the forehead of their brothers. Sweets are fed to the brother, and finally, the Rakhi is tied around the brother’s wrist.
In the northern parts of India, like Uttarakhand, consisting of the Kumaon region, the occasion is celebrated with the changing of “Janeu” threads worn around the torso. The festival is not just linked to brother and sister but even to all brothers.
In the Jammu region of India, the occasion of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in an entirely different manner. It begins with the Kite flying festival, which begins a month before the main celebration.
In the Rajasthani and Marwadi communities, women tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brother’s wife or the sister-in-law (Bhabhi). The custom is followed as the wife of the brother is responsible for their brother’s well-being. And being a part of the family, her well-being is essential for the whole family. Tying of special Rakhi known as Lumba Rakhi – As mentioned above, the occasion of Raksha Bandhan has moved ahead from the brother-sister relationship and is now actively celebrated among different relationships also.
Raksha Bandhan Celebration in Southern Region
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in Maharashtra and other coastal areas in the form of Naarali Poornima. Here, people worship the sea, and all the fishermen’s community throws coconuts into the sea as offerings.
In other southern states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the festival is celebrated as Avani Avittam on the whole moon night during the month of Shravan. The festival is mainly for all the male members of the family. Brahmins on this day take a dip in the water and ask atonement from all their past sins. After the conclusion of the ritual, “Janeu” is worn across the body is changed with a new thread.
Raksha Bandhan Celebration in Central India
In these regions, Rakhi is celebrated in the name of “Kajari Purnima,” which is a festival of farmers and mothers. On this day, farmers worship their land, whereas mothers perform the special pooja with their sons. The wives of the farmers collect some soil from their fields in leaves. This soil is planted with barley seeds and later decorated.
Raksha Bandhan Celebration in Eastern Region
Due to the considerable variation in the multi-lingual culture of India, the Rakhi celebration has taken its forms and manifestations. In West Bengal and Odisha, Rakhi is known as Jhulan Purnima, where people worship Lord Krishna and Radha on this day. Sisters then tie beautiful Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers and wish for their excellent health.
Raksha Bandhan Celebration in Western Region’
In the western states like Gujarat, the festival of “Pavitropana” is celebrated alongside the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Women worship Lord Shiva by pouring water and placing offerings on the Shivlinga. They visit the temples on this day and ask forgiveness for their past sins.
Sweets On Raksha Bandhan
The festival is incomplete without delicious dishes. For every celebration, special dishes are prepared on Raksha Bandhan, like Ghewar, peda, laddoo Namakpare etc. Ghewar is the main sweet of Shravan Maas. This sweet is eaten, throughout the month, in northern India. Additionally, a dish called Ghugni is prepared, which is eaten with curd and Puri. Halwa, Kheer, and Puri are also famous food of this festival.
Final Verdict:
On this sacred day, sisters tie Rakhi around the hands of brothers to protect them against evils. In this pandemic situation, it is perilous to go out for this Raksha Bandhan. There are many online websites available that sell Rakhi and gifts so that you can directly send them. You can also check out Giftalove, a reliable and genuine E-shop with a comprehensive range of rakhis and related gifts. Send Rakhi and Rakhi gifts and increase the joy of this auspicious occasion. Stay home and celebrate this Raksha Bandhan with your loved ones by sending them unique gifts.
Priya Gupta is the in-house content writer and developer of Giftalove.com. Her ever-smiling face, big heart, and jolly-good personality make her stand out. Her writing style demonstrates a harmonious union between passion and creativity. She is a multitasking person, delivering flawless work while listening to music, and dancing to the beats of Justin Bieber. All she needs is a cup of coffee to express her views through her words!
