Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, popularly known as Rakhi, is a festival that celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters. This day depicts the divine bond of love between the siblings and also promotes the feeling of brotherhood in everyone. The sisters especially look forward to celebrate this day with full zeal and enthusiasm, as they are presented with attractive gifts from their brothers, for whom they pray for long life and prosperity.

What is Rakhi ceremony?

On the auspicious ceremony of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie the auspicious Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers. To perform this ritual, sisters conduct an Aarti, for which they make use of a Puja Thali. The Puja Thali comprises of the Rakhi, vermillion along with few grains of rice (for Tilak). Apart from this, a sweet is also included, which is prepared especially for the Rakhi ceremony. Tying a Rakhi on brother’s wrist symbolizes that he will take care of his sister for the lifetime and also promise to protect her from the drudgeries of life.

When is Raksha Bandhan 2012?

Every year, Raksha Bandhan falls on a full moon day in the month of Shravana as per the Hindu calendar. Raksha Bandhan 2012 will be celebrated on Thursday, the 2^nd of August.

How to celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

• Tying Rakhi is the important aspect of Raksha Bandhan. These days, markets are flooded with a wide variety of Rakhi, suitable for boys of different age groups. So, find a suitable Rakhi for your brother, keeping in mind his preference. For instance, if your brother is younger to you, opt for Rakhi that comes with attractive cartoon motifs, which is very popular these days. For your elder brother, you may opt for the traditional Mauli Rakhi that looks simple yet elegant. Silver coloured and golden coloured Rakhi bracelet are also good options.
• In case you do not want to buy Rakhi from the market, then make a homemade Rakhi for him. Purchase the essential supplies required, including a plain Mauli thread, some glitters, craft glue, etc. and create a beautiful Rakhi exclusively for your brother, which he would love to flaunt on this auspicious day.
• Shop for ethnic wear and buy a pair of traditional outfit for your brother as well. To further make your clothes go in sync with your brother’s outfit, you may choose the same shade or colour for your outfit.
• This Raksha Bandhan, spend quality time with the rest of the family members as well. For this, you may organize a get-together at home and invite your uncles, aunts & cousins to join you in the celebrations. To pep-up everyone’s mood, arrange fun games and activities, apart from preparing tasty food.

On Raksha Bandhan, every brother wishes to surprise his sister with some unique gift. So, if you are also planning to show your affection to your sister by presenting her with a gift, then go through the wonderful Rakhi gift ideas given below.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Sister

• Present your sister a lovely greeting card along with a box of chocolates, to reciprocate your love for her.
• You may also buy her cosmetics that she always wanted to possess. Find out her favourite brand and purchase a range of cosmetics that she usually uses.
• Another way to express your affection to your sister is to take her for her favourite movie. Thereafter, dine with her at a restaurant.
• On Rakhi, present your lovely sister with a dress, which will serve as a meaningful addition to her wardrobe.
• You may also present your sister a gift voucher of her favourite brand of apparels.
• If nothing clicks your mind, then make an assortment of gifts and present it in a gift basket.

Apart from tying Rakhi on your brother’s wrist, if you want to put across your heartfelt feelings for your sibling through a nice present, read some Rakhi gift ideas for brother, given below.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Brother

• If your brother is techsavy, then choose from the latest gadgets available in the market, such as digital camera, MP3 player and the like.
• If your brother makes use of wrist watch more like an accessory, then buy a wrist watch that suits your budget.
• Presenting your brother a good quality wallet will be a nice idea to put across your heartfelt feelings to him.
• You may also present him accessories such as cuff-links, belt etc.
• If you want to buy an outfit for your brother as Rakhi gift for him, then look for an ethnic wear that suits the occasion, such as kurta-pyjama or sherwani.

While it is a tradition typical to northern parts of India, people in western and eastern parts of the country also celebrate Raksha Bandhan with equal zeal. The occasion is all about spending quality time with brother/sister. So, celebrate the bond of love with your sibling by incorporating the above ideas, to make this festival memorable for many years to come.

Happy Raksha Bandhan

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