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.

Raksha Bandhan Quotations

Make your brother or sister feel special by using these quotes in the Raksha Bandhan card you got for your sibling or by penning one on the Rakhi Gift tag.
Here are some very nice Quotes for Raksha Bandhan.

Rakhi Quotations for Brother

There is a little boy inside the man who is my brother ...
Oh, how I hated that little boy. And how I love him too.
Anna Quindlan

The highlight of my childhood was making my brother laugh so hard that food came out his nose.
Garrison Keillor

As we grew up, my brothers acted like they didn't care,
but I always knew they looked out for me and were there!
Catherine Pulsifer


Rakhi Quotations for Siblings

Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk.
Susan Scarf Merrell

A sibling may be the keeper of one's identity, the only person with the keys to one's unfettered, more fundamental self.
Marian Sandmaier


Rakhi Quotations for Sister

Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow.
Benjamin Disraeli

Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.
Margaret Meed

One of the best things about being an adult is the realization that you can share with your sister and still have plenty for yourself.
Betsy Cohen

Meaning & Significance of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrating the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. The day when the siblings pray for each others' well being and wish for each others' happiness and goodwill. As the name 'Raksha Bandhan' suggests, 'a bond of protection', Raksha Bandhan is a pledge from brothers to protect the sister from all harms and troubles and a prayer from the sister to protect the brother from all evil.

The festival falls on the Shravan Purnima (full moon day of shravan month) which comes generally in the month of August. The sisters tie the silk thread called rakhi on their brother's wrist and pray for their well being and brothers promise to take care of their sisters.

The Significance
Though now it is considered as a brother and sister festival, it was not always so. There have been examples in history where in rakhi has just been a raksha or protection. It could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. The Rishis tied rakhi to the people who came seeking their blessings. The sages tied the sacred thread to themselves to safe guard them from the evil. It is by all means the 'Papa Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva' or the day that bestows boons and end all sins as it is mentioned in the scriptures.

Raksha Bandhan assumes all forms of Raksha or protection, of righteousness and destroyer of all sin. The rakhi tying ritual has become so much a part of the families that come what may brothers and sisters try to reach out to each other on this particular day bringing back the oneness of the family, binding the family together in an emotional bond.

Rakhi Festival in India

Rakhi festival in India is essentially celebrated between brothers and sisters and intends to strengthen the eternal bond of love share by them. Rakhi is celebrated all over India and amongst all sections of Hindu society.

Rakhi Customs

People wake up early and take bath to purify their mind and soul. Sisters along with the mother prepare festive food including a sweet dish. A sister then arranges the customary Rakhi Puja Thali consisting of Rakhi, Tika, Mithai, Diya besides other traditional puja items to carry out the ceremony. At the opportune time she ties Rakhi on her brother's wrist, apply tika on his forehead and perform arti of him. Praying for her brother's long life sister puts a sweet in bhaiya's mouth.

Brother reciprocates by presenting Rakhi Return Gifts to sister and promises to guard her against all hardships in life. This simple Rakhi ceremony symbolizes and strengthens the eternal bond of love between a brother and sister.

Rakhi Celebrations

In India, celebrations for Rakhi begin a month before the festival. Markets wear a festival look as colorful Rakhi stall mushroom in every nook and corner of the country. Brothers and sisters staying away from home start making plans for a visit to home. For them Raksha Bandhan is the time for family reunion.

On the day of Raksha Bandhan spirit of the people is high and there is a general atmosphere of harmony and bliss. All family members gather and carry out the traditional customs of the day with joy and enthusiasm. Later, everyone relishes the best of food and have a good time.