Friday, July 23, 2010

Rakhi Celebrations in India

Rakhi is certainly one of the most popular cultural festivals in India. 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 symbolizes this relationship. This is one of those rare ancient cultural occasions that do not limit the rituals to a brother and a sister. You need not be a related by blood or family to tie a rakhi and do pooja on Rakshabandhan.



Regional Raksha Bandhan Celebrations
Owing to the regional manipulate of the local legends and their relevance in different parts of the country, the celebrations of Rakhi vary throughout India. This festival is primarily known as being associated with the north and north western part of the country. But, it can be safely said that with changing times and the world having become a smaller place, this occasion has gained popularity in many parts of this country and even so the world.



Rakhi Purnima or Rakhi Day
Rakhi or Rakhi Purnima or Rakhi Day on a full moon day in the month of Shravana of the traditional Hindu calender. Rakshabandhan represents the sacred bond between a brother and a sister. Accompanied by chanting of mantras, sisters tie the thread of Rakhi on her brother's wrist. Rakhi is a brothers promise to protect his sister from all negatives of life. It is also a amulet protecting the brother from all evils and is understood to bring in luck and prosperity in his life.



A Societal Ceremony - Rakhi
The rituals of Raksha bandhan are not binding to brothers and sisters or members of a family alone and they transcend the confines of blood and familial relations as well. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrist of people close to you, it brings everyone closer so much so that everyone is the part of a secure social structure. It is thus that Rakhi Utsavs, too, take place where large gatherings of people from a society or community take part in Rakhi ceremonies.

Tips for Selecting Rakhi Gifts

Tips for Selecting Rakhi Gifts


Rakhi is a festival that celebrates a brother – sister relationship. Raksha Bandhan, the day stands for the absolute love and affection shared between siblings. The ceremony of gifting is an indispensable part of the celebrations on Rakhi day. Thus, selecting gifts on Rakshabandhan for sisters or brothers becomes an incredibly important task. Here are some pointers to be kept in mind while choosing Rakhi gifts online.



  • Consider well the style and liking of your brother and/or sister. This will ensure that one does not go wrong in the choice of gift.

  • Ask yourself; is there something which your love done has been planning to buy for a long time? If there is then this gift ideas should be the priority in your shopping list this Rakhi.

  • Rakhi gifts are a reflection of ones feelings for their loved ones. So, make sure that the gift has this quality of expression.

  • Gifts that are thoughtfully done or bought are priceless. This factor is more important than the price tag of your gift.

  • Before placeing 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 this 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 personalized gifts or Rakhi gifts that are a true representation of the recipient.

  • Last but most important tip of all, last minute gift shopping is a very bad idea. It is advisable to be done with the selection of gifts well in advance.