Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is an implicit pledge exchanged between a brother and sister signifying their fraternal relationship. The bond of Rakhi reinforces the love and affection between the siblings against all ills and odds. Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is celebrated on the Shravan Poornima day in the month of August every year. On the day of Rakhi, sisters decorate Rakhi Thali with sweets, dhoop, roli, betel leaves and Rakhis and tie the sacred thread on the wrist of their brothers as a symbol of love and affection. This year Rakha Bandhan fall on the 24th of august 2010.
History of Ralkshabandhan
Raksha Bandhan - Sisters & Army Jawans celebrating
The history of Raksha Bandhan goes back to the early days of the arrival of the Aryans in India. The Aryans performed Yajnas before going to wars. This was done to invoke blessings of the God. Before the men departed for the battlefield, their womenfolk tied sacred threads or amulets to protect them and also to remind them of their duties to uphold the honor of their tribe. This is how the custom of Raksha Bandhan seems to have originated.
Customs and Ritual observed during Rakshabandhan
The preparation for this festival begins well in advance. The market wears a festive look with different varieties of colorful Rakhis on display in shops. Girls start the shopping and preparations quite early for Rakhi. They shop for new clothes and buy Rakhis, especially the ones that have to be sent to the brothers staying away. The sweet shops, the garment shops, gift shops, all are swamped with latest varieties of goods to draw people. Rakhis are available in different sizes, colors and shapes from the characteristic round ones to heart shaped, symbolizing the bond of love between brothers and sisters. One can also get silver rakhis on jwellery shops.
With the day break people start getting ready and gather for the worship ritual. A Rakhi Thali (plate) is prepared on which they put the Rakhi, a diya (earthen lamp), water, roli (red threads), rice, vermilion or turmeric powder and some sweets. Thereafter the Aarti ceremony takes place and the sister puts tika and chaval on the brother’s forehead and ties Rakhi. This is accompanied by chanting of mantras. Then, the sister gives him sweets, which is thought to bring good luck to the brother. The brother vows to take care of his sister and be by her side in the time of need. As a part of tradition he gives the sister return gifts and sweets.
Raksha Bandhan Thali
- Mix some sandalwood powder with water and apply the paste all over the thali. After it dries out, make the swastika with red kumkum.
- Draw a swastika, the symbol of Lord Ganesha, with red kumkum in the center of the thali.
- Place four small containers in the thali for roli, rice, coconut and water. One can also use betel leaves instead of containers.
- Place a diya, some betel nuts and incense stick stand in the thali, along with the containers.
- You can cover your Rakhi thali with a yellow or red cotton bandhani cloth.
- Place some sweets of your choice at one side of the thali.
- Finally, place the Rakhi thread to be tied to your brother’s wrist.
Share your Rakhi experiences with us by writing in comments below. Also write about your Rakhi wishes to your brother or sister.
