In Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties a ‘raksha’ or ‘rakhi’ on her brother’s right wrist, to protect him from everything negative in life and to strengthen the bond of love. This is also the time for family gatherings. Sisters and brothers who live far away from their families visit their home on this auspicious occasion.
Raksha Bandhan Traditions
The sisters perform ‘pujan’, make ‘arti’, of their brothers and apply kumkum, grains of rice on the forehead. After which, her brothers give her a gift as a token of their promise to protect her. Rakhi thread comes in various designs. It can range from a simple colored cotton thread, dhaga, to intricate patterns and decorations of various sizes and materials such as cotton, zari, beads, pearls, silver, etc.
Of the various Raksha Bandhan traditions, the most important is the ceremony that involves the exchange of Rakhi gifts and the return of Rakhi gifts. The present in Rakshabandhan can be the fulfillment of a promise of eternal love and protection or it can be something tangible, cash or Rakhi gifts.
Historical evidence of the tradition of gift giving
Even our history and mythology are full of examples where brothers went to great lengths to please their sisters with the choicest of Rakhi gifts. Be it the case of Raja Bali fulfilling Goddess Laxmi’s wish to return home with Narayana as a Rakhi gift. Or, either the very famous sacrifice of King Porus that spared Alexander’s life as a gift to Alexander’s wife who had tied a Rakhi on his wrist. And who can forget what Emperor Humayun did to safeguard the kingdom of Rani Karnavati by receiving a Rakhi from her.
Rakhi Return Gifts, The Evolution
Since time immemorial, it has been believed that sisters should be pampered with many gifts when they come to visit their parents/brother (after marriage) on Rakshabandhan.
A very frequent custom has been to give cash as a gift to the sisters. The amount can be from Rs11/- to Rs51/-, Rs101/- and so on. The rupee is considered auspicious when it is delivered with a round figure of money. Although giving cash is a convenient way to let your sister choose her own gift (with the money she collects from all of her siblings). But on the other hand, it’s still an impersonal way of expressing your love and concern for her.
The Rakhi tradition of (giving) sending cash Rakhi gifts to sisters is now becoming a thing of the past with many Rakhi gift options available today. Rakhi gift ideas for sisters can be anything from clothes to decorative items, beauty products, jewelry, accessories, etc.
