Raksha Bandhan Traditions : Sacred Bond of Siblings
Rakhi is the celebration of the sacred bond between siblings. It is a festival filled with love, protection, and joyful celebrations. From tying rakhis and following age-old traditions to indulging in delicious feasts, Rakhi brings families together and strengthens their love and affection.
Let us dive and learn about the various rituals, traditions and aspects of Raksha Bandhan:
Rituals
The Rakhi rituals are many. It starts with sisters tying colourful and beautiful rakhis on their brother’s wrists. The sacred thread represents the sister’s love, care, and prayers for her brother’s well-being.
The sister first performs aarti and applies tilak on her brother’s forehead. It is believed that doing so invokes divine protection. In return, brothers promise their sisters lifelong protection by giving them gifts and blessings.
Sisters can now order rakhis online and have them delivered to their brothers’ doorsteps. This is a convenient and easy way to show your brother your love and affection on Raksha Bandhan
Gift
The exchange of gifts is perhaps the most fun part of Raksha Bandhan. Sisters often get thoughtful gifts, such as clothing, accessories, or items for their brothers. In return, the brothers show affection by surprising the sisters with various gifts.
If you are Looking to buy Rakhi gifts for your sister? Explore our wide range of options, From beautiful jewellery and personalised presents to heartfelt tokens of love, a brother can give anything to please his sister. This exchange of gifts strengthens the bond between siblings and adds an element of joy to the festivities.
Feast
Another important part of Raksha Bandhan is to bring families together for a grand meal. Various delicious dishes are prepared, such as chole bhature, samosas and pakoras.
The mouthwatering aroma of sweets such as barfis, ras malai, gulab jamuns, etc., fills the air. The feasting together symbolises togetherness and celebration. Everyone gathers to share laughter, stories, and the joyous spirit of Raksha Bandhan.
Special Foods
No Raksha Bandhan is ever complete without feasting on traditional sweets and savoury delights. Mentioned below are a few special foods that are commonly enjoyed during Rakhi:
Puran Poli
Indians love traditional sweet dish, particularly Puran Poli. It takes centre stage during Raksha Bandhan celebrations. It is a flatbread with a sweet filling of cooked lentils, jaggery, and aromatic spices.
Sisters lovingly prepare Puran Poli and serve it to their brothers, symbolising their affection and well wishes. Puran Poli has a lot of cultural significance and adds a delightful touch to the festivities.
Ladoo
Ladoos are a popular Indian sweet prepared during various festivals, occasions, and celebrations. On Raksha Bandhan, these round-shaped delights are made from a mixture of roasted flour, clarified butter, sugar, and various nuts and spices.
While Motichoor Ladoo remains the nationwide favourite, others such as Coconut Ladoo and Dry Fruit Ladoos make moments joyous that can be shared among siblings and represents the sweetness of their bond.
Kheer
Kheer is a type of creamy rice pudding. It is a traditional Indian dessert with a special place during Raksha Bandhan celebrations. Simmering rice in milk and adding sugar or condensed milk makes it sweet and creamy. Spices such as cardamom, saffron, almonds, cashews, and raisins give Kheer its flavour and delightful texture.
This versatile dessert can be consumed warm or chilled; hence, it has become a favourite of kids and adults. Making Kheer on Raksha Bandhan signifies prosperity, abundance, and celebrating cherished relationships.
Here are 12 traditional Raksha Bandhan food ideas to try.
Other Traditions
Apart from the traditional rituals, Rakhi is also associated with a few unique customs and traditions:
Bangle-Breaking
A unique tradition associated with Raksha Bandhan is the Bangle Breaking. In certain regions of India, sisters tie colourful bangles on their brothers’ wrists. The brother breaks one of the bangles, symbolising the removal of any negativity or obstacles from his sister’s life.
Water-Carrying
Another interesting tradition followed during Raksha Bandhan is the ritual where sisters carry a pot of water on their heads while moving around their brothers clockwise. Doing so shows the sister’s role as a protector, guarding her brother. After the rounds, t the water is offered to the deities or poured into plants.
Prayers
Prayers hold immense significance at every festival. Families gather together to offer prayers and perform religious rituals. Temple visits or praying at a sacred place at home during Raksha Bandhan is common. Prayers are performed to seek divine blessings for the siblings’ well-being, happiness, and protection.
Also Read,
How to Perform Raksha Bandhan Puja Step by Step
Why Rakhi is Tied on the Right Wrist
Preparation Guide For Raksha Bandhan Celebrations
Unique Ways to Tie a Rakhi : Traditional, Easy, and Creative
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