Celebration

Raksha Bandan is a Hindu religious festival and it’s celebrated across India. We can call it also Rakhi. It’s typically held in August. Raksha means “protection” and Bandan is “to tie”. Raksha Bandan is a Hindu true relationship of brother and sister. A sister ties a red thread on a brother’s wrist and puts a red tikka on his forehead, and feeds him sweets, she prays for his long life, happiness and wealth. The brother promises to protect his sister and he brings or gives gifts, money, gold, sweets, etc.

On the same day all sisters tie Rakhi to Lord Krishna also; they believe lord Krishna is also there to protect, save and help them once they need. Loard Krishna helped once Drupdi called and he saved her from evils. Queen Karnavati send a rakhi with a letter to Emperor Humayun asking for help and saved him from King Bahadur shah. Even though they were not real brother and sister, the custom of Raksha Bandan made a true relationsship.     

Rakhi is a one day festival of brother and sister, from birth till their life; they celebrate every year. Time and money changes many things, but the love and bond of a brother and a sister never changes in their entire life, even more grows and stronger in each Raksha Bandan. All sisters always wish to have at least one real brother; if no they are tied to their cousin’s brother also. If a brother is younger than her, she can give a gift also.    

All brothers and sisters do preparation/shopping from few days before the Rakha Bandan. Now a days it’s very easy to get Rakhi in the market. Everywhere shopkeepers keep sale, some offers and discount prices for rakhi, blessing cards and all gifs items. Ages before it could be made at home with red, or orange silk thread, and small small colorful beads.

If the sister marries, then she goes to the brother’s house and ties a band and has lots of fun. If she cannot go to the brother’s house then she will send Rakhi with blessings cards, some gifts by post or courier. All family members in the evening come together and celebrate Raksha Bandan. The sister is making special meals, sweets for brothers.