Raksha Bandhan: Traditions & Customs

Traditions & Customs

Raksha Bandhan is primarily a North Indian festival kindling the deepest emotions of love and affection amongst the siblings. Just like all Indian festivals, this is also celebrated with lots of verve.

The sister ties the rakhi on the brother's wrist and both pray for each others' well being followed by a pledge from the brother to take care of his sister under all circumstances. The brother then usually gifts something to the sister to mark the occasion. Celebrated enveloped in the festivities. The mirth that surrounds the festival is unsurpassed. Amidst the merriment the rituals are also followed with great devotion.

The rakhis and the sweets are bought and prepared generally before the Purnima. As per the tradition the family members get ready for the rituals early. They take a bath to purify mind and body before starting any preparations. The sisters prepare the thali for the poojan. It contains the rakhi threads, kumkum powder, rice grains, diya (an earthen or a metal lamp used for worshiping), agarbattis (incense sticks) and sweets.

First of all the offerings are made to the deities of the family. The sister then performs the arti of the brother and ties the rakhi. She then Tilaks (puts kumkum powder on the forehead) him and offers sweets. While performing the rituals the Sister chants

Meaning "The sun radiates its sunlight, the radish spreads its seeds, I tie the rakhi to you O brother and wish that may you live long."

After her prayer for a long life for her brother, she says that she is tying the ever-protective Raksha to her brother chanting:

Meaning ," I tie you the rakhi that was tied to king Bali, the king of Demons, O Rakhi I pray that you never falter in protecting your devotee.

The brother in turn blesses the sister and promises to protect her from the evils of the world. He gifts something to her as a token of his love and affection. The rituals may differ a little from region to region but generally carry the same aura.