Rakhi or Raksha Bhandan is a sacred piece of thread that is tied
on wrist of brothers by their caring sister on the auspicious festival of
Raksha Bandhan. Raksha Bhandan is one of the most popular festivals of the
country India that reinstates the bond between the siblings, especially between
the sister and a brother. Their love is expressed through the Rakhi knot and is
considered as to remind the sense of responsibility to the brothers for her
sister protection. This tradition is in existence from centuries and is celebrated
from with a lot of spirit that is not only limited to the particular state but
is also celebrated all across the world by all the Indians.
History of the Raksha Bandhan is traced back in the medieval
era. The sacred thread of the Rakhi is exemplified as the spiritual bonding
between all the siblings and especially between the real brothers and sisters. History
of festival Raksha Bhandan seems to save many lives of the different people as
according the incidences. According to a great legend, Queen Karnawati (a widowed
Chittor Queen) was defended her area by sending Rakhi to the great Mughal
Emperor Humayun who just moved with the gesture. In the history of country India
such events makes the Rakhi festival more famous.
The auspicious festival of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is celebrated
normally on the day of Shravan Purnima or on the day of full moon that comes in
month of Shravan (that is August as per the English calendar). Impact of Raksha
Bhandan festival is such a prominent one that it caught the attention of Guru Rabindranath
Tagore, the literature Nobel laureate and he popularize the event of Raksha
bhandan by conducting the Rakhi Mohotsava, as a symbol of harmony and peace. He
is called it as a festival that spread message of togetherness and brotherhood.
The significance and importance of the Raksha Bhandan festival can be measured by
the way this festival is celebrated in different regions of the country India
and also in the other countries of the World where Indians live. It is also popular
by the different names in India.
The preparation of the rakhi celebration is start many weeks
before from the day of Rakshabhandan. All the market places are crowded with the
different variety of designer Rakhi’s. The different Rakhi gifts idea are flooding
the market that is why it becomes a little bit complex, if it comes to the
choice that which one to choose for your relative or the dear ones from the wide
variety of gift items. The rakhi gift items are in your budget as there are
many varieties. Right from the garments to the gadgets, you can get anything
for gifting purpose. But on the Raksha bhandan occasion you should prefer to
give the sweets and delicious chocolates to your loving ones.
India is globally renowned for its rich traditional and cultural
heritage that is full of colorful fairs and festivals. The festival of Raksha
Bandhan is basically a Hindu festival but is also celebrated by the Punjabis
that belong to the Sikh religion. It is a festival of that strengthens the relation
between a brother and sister, it is also considered as best for the humanity
and brotherhood.
As per the Hindu calendar the festival falls every year on
full moon day of the Shravana month. Rakhi is a sacred thread that is embellished
with the various stonework and embroidery is done with the precious metals that
includes gold,stone, pearl and the diamonds. Such gemstones and embroidery
makes it more appealing and attractive.
Raksha Bandhan is called with different names in the different
states of the country India. The festival of Rakhi that is celebrated in
western India is known as the 'Nariyal Purnima' that signifies a full moon similarly
like the coconut. In the southern part of India, the festival is called as the "Avani
Avittam or the Upakarmam". In the central region of country India, this
auspicious occasion is celebrated with the name of 'Kajari Purnima'.
Rakhi gift and rakhi Ideas
In the country like India, the celebrations of the
festival Rakhi begin before many months. To make this auspicious day special
people prefer to give gifts to the brothers, sister, relatives etc. There are many gifts that are available in
the market. Here are the options of gifts that you can choose from:
Rakhi Gifts for the loving Brothers
For your younger brother, you can buy video games, games, toys,
cartoons, chocolates, confectionery, box, play station etc. If your younger brother
like the sport or the gadgets than you can also gift him goggles, mobile cases,
mobile phones, deodorants and perfumes, fashionable belts and watches. The bracelets
of Silver and Gold are also appreciated by the brothers. For your Elder Brother
you can buy a shirt, portfolio bags, organizers, designer pens, trouser, ties, cuff
links, wallet, watch etc. as a gift.
If your brother is in any school or college than you shopcan
gift things which will be benefit for them like good reference book, nice
novels, interesting CDs, etc. For married brothers you can go for household
gifts like nice paintings, crockery items, handcrafted gift ideas, Sweet box,
dry fruits will do a lot.
Rakhi Gift Ideas for Sisters: For sisters who are fond
of jewelry - Gift them some nice jewelry like pedants, rings, earrings,
necklaces or even if your budget doesn't suits above mentioned gift ideas then
artificial jewelry is the craze all over the world. You can get it from online
too.
For fashion conscious
sisters beaded and mirrored bags, handcrafted bags, fashion accessories, nice
perfumes, fancy tops, ethnic jewelries, apparels are exciting and wonderful
gift ideas.
For little girls love to receive cute and huggable teddy
bears, soft toys, chocolates, or some nice stationery items and last but not
the least for married sisters there are always some household gifts like
paintings, handicrafts, crockery items, wall hangings. And even perfumes and
jewelry are other choices from which you can decide your Rakhi gifts.
Rakhi Return Gift Traditions: Goddess Laxmi tied rakhi
to Raja Bali and he in turn fulfilled her wish to return to her abode with
Narayana. Humayun reached out to help Rani Karmawati accepting her Rakhi. And
thus, sending Rakhi Return Gifts are a part of the Rakhi traditions. The Rakhi
Return Gifts are in-fact the acceptance of the sisterly love. Another good
reason for sending the return gifts on Rakhi is that sisters come to their
parents and brothers house. As a tradition, she has to be bestowed with gifts
when she is going back.
Raksha Bandhan Festivities
The word Rakhi conveys a very emotional and nostalgic appeal
between brothers and sisters in India. Every year on Shravan Purnima, which
falls sometime in July/August, sisters tie a Rakhi to their brothers as a
symbol of sisterly love and affection towards them. This festival transcends
all age barriers, and people young and old heartily take part on this occasion.
In accordance with tradition, it is the moral duty of a
brother to protect his sister from harm. The festival of Raksha Bandhan (the
bond of protection) espouses the values that a brother upholds for his sister.
The extended meaning of the festival is that it is the obligation of the strong
to protect the vulnerable and the weak.
In a wider ambit, cousins and even family friends take part
on this occasion. Therefore, the occasion is not confined strictly between
brothers and sisters alone, but includes friends and individuals with brotherly
feelings as well.
As the main theme of the festival, the sister ties a Rakhi
on the wrist her brother. In return, the brother showers his sisters with gifts
and takes a vow to care for her and protect her from adverse circumstances.
This is very much a family event, and all members of the family oversee this
process. After this, family members usually partake in a family feast where
traditional recipes are prepared with fervor and much gaiety.
Thread Rakhis:
In the olden days, a Rakhi was just a simple thread that was tied over the
right hand of the individual. With increasing popularity and acceptance of the
festival, this is now more than just a simple thread. Today, colorful threads
are used along with sequins, beads, semi precious stones, silver, gold, pearl,
zari, and other fabulous materials. Nevertheless, threads are the most popular
variety available in the markets today. They are made from many varieties of
colorful threads and are decorated with tiny ghungrus, beads, and colorful
stones.
Zari and Zardosi Rakhis
Zari Rakhis are made from colorful zari threads and
beautifully decorated with bead-work, stonework, satin strands, and are also
decorated with many other fancy materials like zari, sequins, shiny flecks, and
glitter. Zardosi Rakhis are also extremely popular due to their exquisite and
intricate metal wire work. This unique product is a superb combination of
fabric and metal wire. The art work delicately combines sequins, stones, beads,
fabric, and 'resham' thread with fine metal wire to produce absolutely stunning
results.
Children's Rakhis
Children have special affection for each other and this is amply demonstrated
on this occasion when little girls come along with their parents to purchase
Rakhis for their brothers. Such products have to be specially eye-catching and
gorgeous so make children feel special.
Hence, these are made from light and fluffy material and
include a lot of innovative and novel motifs, cartoon characters, and designs.
Children get really excited and feel extremely delighted seeing these on
display. Rakhi makers have come up with popular cartoon and comic strip
characters like Superman, Spiderman, Mickey Mouse, Little Hanuman, Harry
Potter, Shrek, and others.
Floral Rakhis
Floral Rakhis utilize various floral designs to impart an elegant and pretty look. Sometimes, a little fragrance is also added to the finished product for added appeal. Elements like beads, sequins and semi precious stones make these even more beautiful.
Floral Rakhis utilize various floral designs to impart an elegant and pretty look. Sometimes, a little fragrance is also added to the finished product for added appeal. Elements like beads, sequins and semi precious stones make these even more beautiful.
Bhaiya Bhabhi Rakhis
In some parts of the country, the tradition is to tie a Rakhi to the brother as well as his wife (one's bhabhi). In most cases, sisters share a very emotional bond with their brother's wives and this occasion venerates this special feeling. Thus Raksha Bandhan not only reveres the bond between a brother and a sister but also strengthens familial relationships. Bhaiya-bhabhi Rakhis usually come in beautiful pairs and they usually complement each other in design and color.
Gold and Silver Rakhis
Silver is also utilized for making Rakhis. This product looks extremely
gorgeous with elegant silver motifs, patterns, and designs that make them look
very attractive and eye-catching. Gold and gold plated Rakhis present an
elegant and regal look. These are easily available in the form of gold
bracelets, chains, gold coins with images, and such. Actually, these can be
very expensive to the quantity of gold used in their making. However, for many
sisters, it's the right way of saying that their sentiments about their brother
are as sterling as gold.
Pearl Rakhis
If gold and silver are much in norm for Raksha Bandhan, then can pearl be left
behind? Pearl has also found favor with folks for revealing their sentiments on
this auspicious occasion. Fresh water pearls, CZ pearls, and Hyderabadi pearls
are amongst most popular choices. A colorful thread is passed through the
pearl, which remains at the center of the Rakhi. Other smaller pearls are also
incorporated to boost the show and appearance of the center pearl. Colorful
stones, satin threads, beads and sequins add to the appeal of this beautiful
product.
So, sisters can now choose from a wide range of Rakhis
available from colorful and brightly lit stores and stalls across the country.
With the advent of modern times, the humble Rakhi has now achieved more sophistication
and elegance, but the virtuous message it conveys will remain the same for
ever.
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