The word “Raksha” means Protection and “Bandhan” means a bond. Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a Hindi Festival which is signified as a bond of care and love. Rakhi is a very special festival for Hindus and is celebrated on the full moon day of August every year. Basically, this festival is a celebration of the special and pure love between brothers and sisters.
Rakhi Ceremony
In the morning, brothers, sisters and other family members get together in a nice dress. Sisters tie a Rakhi (a ceremonial decorated thread) to her brother’s wrist and pray for his happiness. This is her way of expressing her love for her brother on this special day. And the brother gives her a gift and promises to protect her under all circumstances.
Those brothers and sisters who are geographically not together and can’t be with each other on this day, they may share the Rakhi and gifts through the post with a letter of blessings. This festival is also celebrated among cousins and even distant family members. This day not only brothers and sisters get together but all family members celebrate this day.
Preparation for the festival
Weeks before the Raksha Bandhan, the market gets changed and it is seen in the environment. Everywhere sisters and brothers are seen shopping something special for the beloved siblings. Sisters shop for the Rakhi and sweets for their brothers. Some sisters design their own Rakhi. And brothers also shop for the gifts for their sisters.
Prayer and Promise
After Rakhi, sisters pray for the well being of her brother and his prosperity. Then she applies a Tilak (tikka), a colorful mark, on the forehead of her brother. Then sisters offer some sweets with her own hand to her brother. The brother then promises to take care of her sister and protect her in all stages of her life.