Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is one of the most auspicious occasions that are celebrated by Hindus all over India and abroad. Celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy, this festival comes every year in the month of July or August according to the Hindu calendar. And this is the festival that I have always waited for the entire year as it is the time to celebrate the unconditional love and care of both the brother and the sister. The Rakhi festival spreads the message of brotherhood as on this day, the sister ties a Rakhi on the wrist of the brother and in turn he takes vows to protect her from all the troubles. At home, we used to start the preparation much ahead of the celebration and I always had a special interest as I used to get wonderful gifts from my brother.
The history that represents bond:
Raksha bandhan has always represented innumerable political ties between kingdoms and princely states. Indian history testifies that the Maratha queens and the Rajputs have sent Rakhis to the Mughal kings in spite of their differences and the kings have assured protection and help at crucial moments and honored the fraternal bond. Events have also stated that even matrimonial alliances have been established among kingdoms that exchanged Rakhis.
According to mythology, Rakhi was basically intended to worship the sea-god Varuna. The celebration involves offerings of coconut to Varuna, bathing rituals and fairs at the waterfronts. It is also said that the ritual was observed by Yamuna and Indrani for their brothers Yama and Indra. Thus, Raksha Bandhan symbolizes protection of the good from any evil forces and Rakhi is a sacred thread that is tied on the wrist to guard someone against impending evils.
Preparation prior to Raksha Bandhan:
According to the tradition, family members start preparing for the rituals much before the actual celebration. The markets are usually flooded with colorful rakhis and people are in a shopping mood. They purchase new clothes, gifts for their brothers or sisters. Today, there are also different cards with Rakhi messages that can be sent to those who are far away and are unable to meet. There are email greeting cards, various online gifts that can be purchased and send to show the love between a brother and a sister. Nothing seems to stop the overflowing emotions between the two.
I have always seen my parents and grandparents making offerings to our family deity and there we used to prepare a thali for the puja. The thali contained the rakhi threads, rice grains, kumkum powder, metal or earthen diya, sweets and incense sticks. My brother used to be seated and I used to perform the aarti for my brother with the thali and then tie the rakhi on his hand and apply a tilak on his forehead and offer him the sweets. While performing the ritual, I used to pray for the well-being of my brother who in turn promised to protect me from all the evils of the world. And then my brother used to give me a gift as a token of affection and love. A family get-together was organized and various tasty dishes, sweets and traditional delicacies were prepared at home.
Perfect Raksha Bandhan gifts for brothers and sisters :
Rakhi brings the entire family together and the day begins with everyone dressing up in beautiful traditional attires. Brothers and sisters exchange gifts and wish the well being of each other. Those who are unable to meet, they send happy Rakshabandhan cards and gifts to each other. Here are some amazing gift ideas that can surprise your brother and sister
Gift ideas for a sister:
Fashionable dress: Girls love clothes and when it comes to latest trends they always want something that is in high demand. Purchasing a beautiful dress will surely make her happy. But before you go for shopping know her color preferences and style.
Jewelry: This is another gift item that your sister will simply love. You can purchase some trendy designer jewelry or something that she wanted to have for long. You will find various jewelry pieces online, which you can order for her.
Stuffed toys: If your sister is still a kid, then you can buy for her some cute stuffed toys like teddy bears or plush pillows and etc.
Household items: If your sister is married, then it is a good idea to gift her some good and useful household items. What about crockeries, electronic appliances, floral bed sheets or towels?
Gift ideas for brothers:
Gadgets: If your brother is a gadget freak then gift him something that he doesn’t have like a Bluetooth device, solar powered chargers and etc.
Clothes or accessories: Gift him a branded shirt, deodorant, sunglasses, wallet or any other fashionable and trendy items.
Books or games: If your brother is younger to you and is still a kid, then you can pamper him by offering Games CDs, PlayStation, tablet or some good books that he can read during his free time.
Other items: A box of chocolate, dry fruits or sweets is something that is a favorite of all. Now-a-days you will find numerous decorative sweets in various flavors that can be gifted during a celebration.
Raksha Bandhan 2016 will be celebrated on August 18th. So, start making preparations for the grand occasion and celebrate the pure love and affection of a brother and a sister.
