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.

3 Amazing Rakhi Gifts For a Teenage Sister

If you have a teen sister, you will very well know how difficult it is to shop for her. Choosing a gift for her too is a sensitive issue. At this age and stage of life, girls have become their own persons and have a distinct personality of their own. The Rakhi gift ideas covered here will guide you to choosing the perfect gift for your teenage sister on Rakhi.

Personalized Gifts for Your Sister on Rakhi
If you feel your sister possess loads of everything and doesn't really need something, go in for personalized Rakhi gifts. So even if she has loads of mugs, T-shirts, watches, pendants or bracelets, a personalized gift that bears her name will always hold that special place for her.

Fashionable Cosmetics as Raksha Bandhan Gifts
This is the age when most young girls begin the transformation into young ladies with their distinctive personalities. Presentation of their own self thus becomes an essential part of their approach towards life.

Silver or Pearl Jewelry as Rakhi Gifts for Her
The basic feature that is to be considered while going Rakhi gift shopping for your sister is the craftsmanship, authenticity and durability of the jewelry. One fashion trends that is very much in vogue these days is of silver and pearl jewelry.

Invaluable Pointers For Choosing Rakhi Gifts

Selecting gifts for someone you love and care for is not always an easy task. Here are 5 tips that will make this process slightly easier.

Before arranging for the gift, try to think from the recipients end. What will he/she love and also what value does your gift hold for them?

Be creative and innovative and do not repeat previous year's Rakhi gift idea even if it was a huge success.

The gift should conform to the personality type of your sibling. A mismatched gift idea would spoil the feel of the occasion.

A surprise is almost a sure shot way of pleasing your loved ones. But, if you are not so sure about the kind of Rakhi gift that will work, it is better to consult your sibling than go wrong with the present.

Avoid going in for common ideas when it comes to gifting. It is advisable to go in for personalised gifts or Rakhi gifts that are a true representation of the recipient.

Three Popular Rakhi Gift Ideas for Brothers

Brothers look forward to getting something from their sisters on Rakhi day. And, especially so if it is a younger brother then it is a foregone conclusion that he expects many tokens of love from his sister called Rakhi gifts. Here we present some gift ideas for brothers that will make the gift shopping decisions easy to make for any sister.

Apparels make for conventional and safe gift ideas for brothers. Depending on his style of dressing and his personality, one could choose from traditional Indian wear to Western wear, from comfortable to stylish, from formals to informals and so on.

Accessories are another gift idea that would wonders with your brother. Sunglasses or shades, watches, ties, brooches, belts, cufflinks are some Rakhi gifts for brothers that one could choose from. A gift of accessories can even be teamed up as Rakhi presents with clothes or apparels.

Video games or games CDs are a gift that most brothers would love to have. Before going in for any technological gifts on Rakshabandhan, it is essential to research a and explore on this field in detail.

The Tradition of Rakhi Gifting

Giving gifts has always been an important ritual of the festival of Rakhi. As is customary, Rakhi gifts are a token of love and protection that brothers give to their sisters. After sisters have tied Rakhi on the wrists of their brothers, they expect gifts in return. Sisters even compete for the best or the most number of gifts from their brothers. On the other hand, in the case of younger brothers, it is the sister who gives a gift to him with the Rakhi.

A recent trend has been that the sisters gift something in return to the brothers whether younger or elder. This change has occurred because with the ever increasing distances, Rakhi gifts are an extended expression of love and affection the two share.

The gifts given on Rakshabandhan include money, sweets, dry fruits, apparels, watches and so on. Watches are gifted as Rakhis and at times, Rakhi threads are replaced by watches. Jeweled Rakhis (gold or silver), embedded with precious or semiprecious stones or, a simple cut and carved bracelet are other gift ideas on Rakhi. Sweets/Mithais have always been a part of the gifts given on this occasion. Dry fruits and chocolates and apparels and accessories like ties, ties pins are other good gift options on Raksha Bandhan.

Rakhi - The Universal Bond of Love

Rakhi is undoubtedly one of the most popular cultural festivals in India. The universal appeal of the bond between a brother and a sister is the reason for its being a favourite of people across this diverse populace. This festival has also lost the religious flavour that was so apparent in relation to its origins.

It is an occasion that speaks of the undying love between a brother and a sister. Raksha bandhan is a promise to protect and cherish forever the sacred bond that symbolises this relationship. This is one of those rare ancient cultural occasions that does not limit the rituals to a brother and a sister. You need not be related by blood or family to tie a Rakhi and do pooja as brothers and sisters on Rakshabandhan.

On this day sisters tie a sacred thread called Rakhi on the wrist of her brother and brothers in turn promise to protect and take care of his sister throughout life. With the exchange of gifts, cards and lots of sweets this day further strengthens this bond between siblings.

Regional Names of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan holds a different meaning in different parts of India. Here we present the many names with which people know this cultural festival.

Rakhi - Rakhi is also the name of the thread which sisters tie on their brothers hands. It is the token of raksha or protection on which brothers take the pledge or promise to protect their sisters.

Rakhi Purnima - Another name for this famous Indian festival. This occasion is known as Rakhi Purnima as it falls on the full moon day or puranmasi or purnima of the month of 'Shravana' as per the Hindu calender.

Nariyal Purnima - Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is also called Nariyal Purnima which in Hindi literally means coconut full moon. In the Western Ghats that includes the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, Rakshabandhan signifies the beginning of a new season for people whose lifestyle and livelihood depends on sea.

Upakarmam/Avani Avittam - Rakhi Purnima is called Avani Avittam or Upakarmam in southern parts of India, in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of Orissa. It is an auspicious occasion for the Brahmins of these regions. The day is also called Upakarmam by the Brahmins who change their holy threads on this day.

Kajari Purnima - In Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, Rakhi is known as Shravani or Kajari Purnima. Rakshabandhan here is an important day for farmers and for the sons in every family.

Pavitropana - The festival of Rakshabandhan is celebrated as Pavitropana in Gujarat. This is the day when people perform a grand pooja or worship the three eyed God, Lord Shiva. It is also the culmination of prayers done throughout the year.

Rakhi Rituals and Traditions

The festivities begin early morning on the day of Raksha Bandhan. The day begins with everyone taking a bath and wearing new clothes. After taking God's blessings, sisters in the family perform arti of and for their brothers, then they put tika and chawal on their forehead and tie Rakhi on their wrist. At the end of it all, they offer sweets to their brothers.

These Rakhi rituals are symbolic of the wishes that sisters ask of god for their brother's well being. In return, brothers pamper their sisters with beautiful Rakhi gifts as a token of their love. They also promise to take care of their sister and stand by her side in any and every situation.

Rakhi is also the time for family reunions. All these rituals become the reason for the family bonding over an auspicious occasion. After these important rituals are over, all family members enjoy over food, sweets, gifts music and dance. Raksha Bandhan is also the day to remember all those who are living far away from the family. On Rakhi, feelings can also be expressed through e-mails, e-cards, Rakhi greeting cards and by sending Rakhi through various means (online Rakhi, Rakhi through post).

Indian Heritage Festival of Raksha Bandhan

As with other Indian festivals, Rakhi also follows the festival calender that is completely based on the weather changes and their significance in the lives of people.

Origins of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan
The festival of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is understood to have a history of around 6000 years. It came into existence with Aryans when they created The Indus Valley Civilization. Raksha Bandhan has a rich Indian mythological base. Many historically significant epics are related to the origin and the subsequent development of Rakhi. This festival also finds a mention in most of the Indian epics.

Rakhi – How Much a Religious Festival
Rakhi is considered by many of us as having a religious origin. But, there have been many occasions in history that have emphasized the relationship between a brother and a sister more than the religious side of it. Gradually, over the centuries and over time Rakhi has lost its original outlook that made everyone associate it with the Hindu religion. There have been many instances in history that have made this transition a reality.

The Sacred Bond Between Brother and Sister
Raksha Bandhan is a term from the Hindi language which means a relationship or an association based on protection. This is a festival which has a long standing Indian heritage. More commonly known as Rakhi, this Indian festival signifies the sacred bond of love between a brother and sister. On this day, sisters tie a Rakhi on their brothers wrists and expect Rakhi gifts in return.