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.

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 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).

Send Rakhi Gifts to India & Worldwide

Rakhi is a bundle of lovable moments and a day to cherish the eternal bonding of love & affection with your sibling. To give a remarkable note to the Rakshabandhan, sisters and brothers in throughout the world look for a beautiful gift to present their dear ones, wrapped with their sentiments and lots of emotions.

Rakhi Shopping
Rakhi is the pious occasion on which boys and girls of all age explore the markets and shop beautiful gifts for their siblings. Shopping marts already start celebrating the day with heavily decorating look and style. Where sisters search for most beautiful rakhis for their dearest brothers, on the other hand brothers checkout markets, jewelry shops to purchase beautiful apparels, stunning jewelry etc. for their dear sisters. The sweet shops are ready with their delicious sweets, which form an integral part of the celebrations.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Sisters

Ladies are tend to be more choosy but that doesn't means that brothers should shell out all their bucks in purchasing gift for their sweet sisters. The value of gift is not decided by the number of zeros added in its cost price but by the affection and sentiments attached to it. So, all dear bhaiya get ready to showcase your love by presenting Perfumes, Apparels, Designer Purses accompanied with Fresh Flowers.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Brothers

Going by the choice of your dear brothers, sisters can opt for cool Shirts, Watches, pens and deodorants. You can add sweetness to the day with delicious Chocolates, Mithai or Dry Fruits. Now a days, the simple thread Rakhi has been transited into gold and silver. Enjoy the eternal bonding with brothers by gifting Rakhi with Puja Thali and treasure the day for lifetime. Married brothers can be gifted with decorative items like Paintings, Show Pieces and Idols & Sculptures.