Significance of Rakhi

The festival of Rakhi has undergone many changes. Today Rakhi celebrations center around the brother-sister relationship, it was not always so. In the olden days, Rakhi thread was tied for protection or raksha. Anybody, a wife, a daughter or a mother could tie this Rakhi thread. Rishis tied Rakhii on the wrist of people who came to seek their blessings. Sages also used to tie this sacred thread to safe guard themselves from evil. Rakhi day is an occasion when every sin is washed away and blessings are showered on all.

Although Rakhi signifies the bond between a brother and a sister but it is also a symbol of warmth and compassion shared between communities as a whole. Some people tie Rakhee to neighbours and close friends signifying the special bond shared between them.

Rakhi reflects the silent pledge of morality, spirituality and respect towards Indian culture and values. In every part of India, Rakhi festival is celebrated in different styles and ways. As people reach out to each other on this day, Raksha Bandhan is a festival that binds families together.

Rakhi SMS - Staying Connected on Rakhi

Raksha Bandhan is the time to reach out to your brothers and sisters by sending Rakhi Messages.

Increasing distances have made it a necessary evil. Since, on the one hand, it helps us stay connected with our near and dear ones, which are our siblings on Rakhi. On the other end of it, it gives us an easy way out and has made meeting people we love a trend of the past.

The sweet and sour flavor of a brother-sister relationship is reflected through Raksha Bandhan SMS sent by siblings to each other. So, celebrate this Rakhi with some awesome Rakhi SMS Greetings for both brothers and sisters. These may be cute, funny or well meaning Rakhi Text Messages but they are sure to add an element of fun on this joyous festival.

Two such Rakhi messages are,

You know that you are the most precious stone in the collection of my secret treasure.. Wishing you very very Happy Rakhi.

It leaves a smile on my face when I think of those trifling fights we had and suddenly used to make up. The memories may fade away with passing time but the love we share will only grow. Happy Raksha Bandhan, dear sister.

Rakhi Gifting – Meaning Over the Years

Not so long ago, Rakhi meant bonding over long standing rituals and traditions. It also represented the everlasting love and respect which was the basis of relationships in India. Somewhere along the way though, the Rakhi tying ceremony was followed by giving of return gifts in the form of money or other gifts desired by the sister and brother (if younger).

In the recent times, Rakhii means showing how much you love, care and remember your brother and sister by sending Rakhi gifts from one part of the world to the other. This change is the by product of increasing distances among families and the world becoming smaller with the advent of technological and logistical advances.

Gift Shopping Trends on Raksha Bandhan

The 'what' has become more important in terms of Rakhi shopping rather than the gesture itself. This is not to say that the feelings behind gifting have become irrelevant. There are those among us who still believe in the thoughtful quality of any Rakhi gift idea.

On the one hand, the gift value has gained importance and on the other the choice of gifts has also undergone a lot of change. There has been a sea change when you want to send Rakhi gifts to your loved ones. The first major difference in the past and present is the wide range of presents, the other is the medium of exchanging gifts on Raksha Bandhan. Online Rakhi gifts shopping is the example of this newest trend.

Another major development in terms of Rakhi gifting and that is the customisation of Rakhi and Rakhi gifts. There are ideas on Rakhi gifts for sisters, Rakhi gifts for brothers, for bhabhi and so on.

Rakhi Day Celebrations

Tying The Rakhi Thread
On this auspicious day sisters tie the holy thread called a Rakhi, which is a bond of protection, on brother’s right wrist. The Rakhi signifies the promise that the brother will protect his sister from all harm and a prayer from the sister to protect her brother from evil. Although, this ritual is primarily understood to take place between brothers and sisters, but is not limited to this relationship only. It is basically a vow taken to protect and preserve and can involve non-blood relationships like a mother and child, friends and even wife and husband. In fact in several parts of India, especially Rajasthan, sisters tie Lumba Rakhi on the wrist of their brother's wife or bhabhi. This special tradition of nanad tying Rakhi on her sister-in-law's wrist is said to sweeten the bond of love between them.

On a Rakhi Day
Any Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi celebration comprises of many rituals practiced by members of a family, especially brothers and sisters. The day begins with the sister and brother taking a bath and wearing brand new clothes. The sister then prepares the Rakhi thali or Pooja thali. This thali has has rice and haldi (turmeric) for performing the ceremony of tilak (wherein sisters use the third finger of the right hand to mark her brother's forehead with the paste and rice), a diya or a tealight candle for the aarti or prayer, sweets as an offering and the Rakhi. Once ready with the thali the sister will apply the tilak to her brother’s forehead, recite prayers while tying the Rakhi around his wrist and then offer him the sweets.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Married Sisters

As a married woman, your sister now has so many new relationships that enrich her life. And that is why she is in a place of her life where she values the meaning of having a thoughtful brother or sister more than ever. Some such ideas are presented herewith in the form of Rakhi gifts for married sisters.

Decoratives as Raksha Bandhan Gifts
There are many choices available for you to send as Rakhi gifts for your sister, but the final gift idea should be according to her taste in decorating. Go in for artistic showpieces or sculptures as souvenirs of love from you to her. Paintings, wall hangings or other desk top decoratives are also good examples for Rakhi gifts for her.

Home Appliances as Gifts for Your Sister
The gesture of gift giving has to appear meaningful and not just a formality. You may go in for electronic gadget, kitchen appliances, furniture or other household gifts like bed covers, crockery etc. depending on your budget and her requirement.

Clothes / Accessories for Her on Rakhi
The sense of style and dressing is to to be a major consideration for you when going gift shopping for clothes and/or accessories. Some examples of Rakhi gifts for married sisters are sarees, salwar suits, western formal wear, informals. Accessories like wrist watches, handbags, scarves are also great Rakhi gift ideas.

Recent Trends in Rakhi Styles

The simple Rakhi thread, which we also know as dora, dhaga, mouli or kalwa has undergone a lot of change in the recent years. It has gained in terms of style quotient and beauty of designs. This is also the reason that the craftsmanship involved in making a Rakhi has become very important in today's times. Not only that, the quality of the thread and the material used get a premium during Rakhi shopping.

The style and design of this sacred thread of love has changed a lot in the past decade or so. Today's Rakhi is sometimes so rich in its appearance that it even works as Rakhi gifts. Bracelet Rakhi, Silver Rakhi, Musical Rakhi, Currency Rakhi, Gold Rakhi, Silver Rakhi, Charm Rakhi, Diamond Rakhi etc. showcase the popular new trends in Rakhi.