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).