Things to know about Raksha Bandhan Celebration in India

The festival of Raksha Bandhan in India is celebrated in a variety of ways. People living in every part of India celebrate this day in different ways. It is an occasion to show love and affection between siblings. Hindu families make this day more special by doing pooja, praying, and having lots of fun.

Raksha Bandhan Significance: 

Sisters tie colorful Rakhi on brother's right-hand wrist and treat him with mouthwatering sweets. After then they exchange gifts. Rakhi signifies the promise by the brother to always be there, to always protect, no matter what the circumstances. It reflects great love and a pure bond between sister and brother.

Raksha Bandhan Timing:

This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 11th August. The muhurat time for tying rakhi is 8:51 pm to 9:13 pm. 

Raksha Bandhan History: 

There are many stories behind the celebration of the Raksha Bandhan festival. As per the Hindu mythology in Mahabharata, once Lord Krishna hurt their finger while flying the kite. Then Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas tore the corner of her sari and tied it to the finger of Lord Krishna to prevent it from bleeding. Thus, a bond between brother and sister developed between them and he promised to protect her.

Different ways related to the celebration of Raksha Bandhan are described below:

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in North India

Before the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters buy rakhis for their brothers from the market. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, every member of the family wear new clothes and gathers together. The ritual involves lighting a Diya which represents the fire deity and performing aarti by the sisters. They apply a "tilak" on the forehead of their brothers and tie the rakhi on the wrist of brothers. 

In exchange, the brothers offer a gift to their sister. Those who want to offer something unique and extraordinary can take their sisters on an international trip. On special occasions, you can easily find the festive season deals on flights that will help you get an affordable ticket.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in East India

As you know India is a country with diverse cultures and traditions. In every part of the country, a particular festival is celebrated in its own forms and manifestations. In West Bengal and Odisha, this occasion is known as Jhulan Purnima where not only rakhi is tied but also Lord Krishna and Radha are worshipped. 

Also, the "Rakhi Utsava" is very famous in Shanti Niketan. Shanti Niketan is the institute founded by the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in West India

Western states of India have their own way of celebrating this day. Gujarat goes for the festival of "Pavitropana" alongside the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Women believe to worship Lord Shiva by pouring water and placing offerings on the Shivlinga. They used to visit the temples on this day to atone for any of their past sins. If you also want to witness this spiritual process then book flights to India in advance as airfares are too high during the holiday and festive season.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in Central India

Central India celebrates this day in the name of "Kajari Purnima". It is the festival for farmers and mothers where farmers worship the land and mothers do special pooja with their sons.

The idea of returning gifts for sisters: 

You can run and hide but you can’t escape the sibling bond. Only sibling has been with you through your thick and thin. They are your secret keepers too. So, it’s time to celebrate this great bond. It is your responsibility to show some love to your siblings and come up with the best gift ideas to make them smile. 

While your sister is busy picking up a special rakhi, you better surprise her with a fabulous return gift worth remembering.

• Chocolates or Cake: Chocolates are liked by every girl so it’s a perfect gift for Rakshabandhan. If your sister is a big foodie then you can bring a box of chocolate or cake. It will be a nice treat and excite her. The perks of giving chocolates or cakes are that they can be ordered on the same day and you will receive the fresh piece delivered at your doorsteps.

• Plan a surprise Trip: If your sister is a kind of traveler then you can give her a surprise by planning a trip for her. Pick out one of her favorite destinations where she always wanted to go and book the flight. You will easily get discounts on flight tickets if you book from an agent. There are many offers and deals available on the special festive occasion. 

• A house plant: If you have a sister who is a nature lover then the plant is a great gift for her. There are many types of plants that have their own significance. You can choose any of them including bamboo, jade, and money plants. It will be a nice idea for creating a fresh and everlasting bond with your sister. 

• Skin Care product: Skincare is one of the most essential daily routines of women. They make time to make their skin look healthy and flawless. So, you can surprise your sister with the best skin care products that she uses. 

• A make-up Kit: Having an amazing makeup kit is a dream of every girl. It is a kind of gift that will be very useful to her. By seeing a makeup kit she will dance with joy.

Some FAQ:

When is Rakhi celebrated?

Every year Rakhi is celebrated in the month of August. This year Raksha Bandhan is on 11th of August. 

Why is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?

The festival of Rakshabandhan is dedicated to the affection between siblings. It is the day that is celebrated as a mark of the strong and unbreakable bond between siblings. Sister tie the rakhi on the right hand of the brother and in return brothers promise to keep their sisters safe and protected from evils.

On which hand Rakhi is tied?

As per Hindu beliefs and tradition, a Rakhi should always be tied to the right hand of the brothers. 

How long should I wear the Rakhi?

According to Hindu tradition, Rakhi should be worn till Krishna Janmashtami. 

Is there any other name for Raksha Bandhan?

Yes, the festival is celebrated all across India but they have some different traditions as well as names. In different parts of India it is celebrated as the following names: 

• Rakhi Purnima: Northern India and Western India
• Upakarmam or Avani Avittam: South India
• Nariyal Purnima: Maharashtra
• Kajari Purnima: Central India
• Kite Flying Day: North India
• Pavitrapana: Western India
• Jhulan Purnima: West Bengal and Odisha