Rakhi Celebrations in India

Posted on : 24th April 2010

Rakhi is undoubtedly 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 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 a related by blood or family to tie a rakhi and do pooja on Rakshabandhan.

Owing to the regional influence 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 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.

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.