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.

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.

Rakhi Celebrations

Raksha bandhan is celebrated with fervour and joy all across India. This festival epitomizes the unconditional love between brothers and sisters. It is the time for buying rakhis, rakhi gifts, rakhi pooja thalis etc for making the day special.

On the Raksha Bandhan day, the festivities start by the day break. Every one gets ready early and gathers for the worship of the deities. After invoking the blessings of the Gods, the sister performs brother’s arti, puts tika and chawal on his forehead and ties Rakhi amongst chanting of mantras. Then she gives him sweets and gifts. The brother accepts her offerings and vows to take care of her and be by her side in the time of need. As a token he gives the sister a return gift and sweets.

For those siblings who for distances are not able to meet, it is a day for remembering the bygone time when the day was celebrated together. Emotions are expressed through e mails, e cards, rakhi greeting cards, and rakhis through internet or mail. Nothing on this day can stop the overflowing emotions.

Rakhi is also a time for family union and collectively celebrating this traditional festival.

Send Rakhi & Rakhi Gifts

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Brothers & Sisters
Tips on how to pamper siblings with unique Rakhi Gifts Ideas. Here are loads of exclusive Rakhi Gift Ideas for sisters and great Rakhi Return Gift Ideas for Brothers.


Rakhi Gift Ideas for Brothers

1. For Trendy Brothers
For brothers who love to sport a style statement some trendy gifts are desirable. One can go in for fancy goggles, mobile cases, deodorants, perfumes, watches and belts.

2. For Married Brothers
If your brother is married you can go in for household gifts like nice paintings, some crockery items or traditional Raksha Bandhan Gifts like box of sweets, dry fruits or chocolates.

3. For Kid Brothers
Pamper your kid brother with some games or games CDs. Or how about toys like cars or those representing their favourite cartoon characters. Chocolates, candies and much more.


Rakhi Gift Ideas for Sisters

1. For Sisters who are fond of Jewelry
Gift some nice jewelry items like rings, earrings or necklaces. Browse through some Rakhi Gifts sites and you will get ample of options.

2. For Married Sisters
If your sister is married you can gift some household gifts like paintings or some fancy show piece. Perfume or jewelry items are other choices from which you can decide your Rakhi gift.

3. For Kid Sisters
Little girls love to receive cute and huggable teddy bears, chocolates or some nice stationery items. You may also gift some novels or other reference books if she is fond of reading.

Rakhi is on 5th August 2009, Wednesday

Rakhi or Raksha is a sacred thread embellished with sister's love and affection for her brother. On the day of Raksha Bandhan sisters tie Rakhi on their brother's wrist and express their love for him.

Significance of Rakhi
Rakhi holds immense significance in Indian cultural ethos. The custom of celebrating Rakhi started in Vedic times and even today brothers and sisters consider it must to celebrate the occasion in traditional manner. When brothers are away sisters send Rakhi to them and express their love. Accepting the Rakhi with grace brothers send Return gifts to their sister.

Rakhi Celebrations

Rakhi or the festival of Raksha Bandhan is indeed a joyful celebration of the immaculate relationship between a brother and sister. The day begins with the sisters praying for the welfare of their brothers. Beautiful Rakhis are decorated on a plate along with 'roli-chawal'. The girls put 'tika' on the foreheads of their brothers, do their 'aarti' and tie rakhi on their wrists. The atmosphere is filled with mirth and sweets that are offered, enhance the sweetness further. The brothers, in turn give gifts such as dresses, toys and jewelry or other things to their sisters.

Rakhi Quotes

Read these amazing quotes for Rakhi to feel the essence, beauty and inherent strength of brother - sister relationship.

"Friends come and go, but you my dear brother, are always there!" -Catherine Pulsifer

"Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk." -Susan Scarf Merrell

"A brother is a friend given by Nature." -Jean Baptiste Legouve

"You keep your past by having sisters. As you get older, they're the only ones who don't get bored if you talk about your memories." -Deborah Moggach