What is Raksha Bandhan Festival

Raksha Bandhan has a huge significance in India. It is celebrated like any other festival in the country and dedicated towards the love of a sister and her brother. It is a Hindu festival, which is celebrated once every year. The sister ties a Rakhi around the brother’s wrist, on this day. The brother undertakes the oath to protect his sister through his life. The Rakhi (a holy thread), symbolizes the strength of love, strength, and attachment between the siblings. Raksha Bandhan gets its name from two words, which are Raksha (means protection) and Bandhan (means relation).

Since ancient times, this festival has been celebrated in the nation. The Indian history boasts of several fables wherein brothers came ahead to protect sisters at times of adversity. A number of folktales portray queens sending Rakhis to their neighbours to uphold the notion of brotherhood. In the present era, the tradition continues in a way that sisters who live abroad send Rakhi to India to their brothers during Rakshabandhan.

How is the Rakhi Ceremony Celebrated?

The ritual of tying Rakhi is done is the morning. The preparation of this festival also marks decorating the home and cooking delicacies. Every member of the family rises early and gets busy with the routine of decorating the front room and the temple room etc. The hallways and entrances are decorated with flowers and colours. Family members and guests pour in to convey their greetings to the siblings.

A special thali containing rice grains, sweets, diyas, tika, roli, sandalwood paste, incense sticks is used for the pooja ceremony. The family members chant hymns and bless the siblings. Sisters who are the only child of their parents perform the ritual of Rakhi-tying on their cousins or somebody they share the sibling-bond with. Rakshabandhan is thus a festival, which helps brothers and sisters to realize the importance of their bond in an eventful manner.

How to Select the Perfect Rakhi for Your Brother?

As per the Hindu calendar, this festival is observed in Savan month on the full moon. Choosing and buying Rakhis for brother is a special event that sisters cherish. Apart from getting his wrist tied with a Rakhi, the brother gives gifts to his sister.

• Organizing a surprise party or vacation for the siblings is a gift that other family members arrange on Raksha Bandhan. Sometimes the family together travels to destinations and relax for the day.

• Brothers send flowers, chocolates, cakes, sweets, soft toys, and other gift items to their sister to overwhelm them.

• Handmade gifts are also popular and carry a sentimental value. Sometimes even the sister purchases gifts for her brother.

• Brothers take great pleasure in selecting gifts that would be useful for their sisters. For example, many purchase laptops, smartphones, cameras, wrist watches, make-up kits for the sisters.

Activities and Games for Raksha Bandhan

A wide assortment of Rakhis is available in the market today. If you are unable to meet your brother on the occasion, do not worry. Nowadays, you can select one online and send Rakhi to your brother without visiting a local shop. Sisters can pick one based on the personality of their brother. For instance, if the brother is traditionally inclined, then a Rakhi bearing Swastik or Ganesh idol design or Rudraksha can be chosen.

Brothers who prefer luxurious items can be tied ornamental Rakhis and designer Rakhis. Other popular varieties are; cartoon and superhero Rakhis, zari Rakhis, floral Rakhis, handmade Rakhis etc.

Activities and Games for Raksha Bandhan

As the celebration of Rakhi goes on throughout the day, certain games and activities could be arranged to add to the fun factor. These games can be played by all the members together.

• Musical Chair

• Dumb Charades

• Housie

• Guessing Bollywood Siblings

• Balloon Fight

Raksha Bandhan is an important festival in India. It is also considered as a holiday and several workplaces remain closed on this day so that the brother and sisters can actually spend familial time with each other.