Rakhi festival in India is essentially celebrated between brothers and sisters and intends to strengthen the eternal bond of love share by them. Rakhi is celebrated all over India and amongst all sections of Hindu society.
Rakhi Customs
People wake up early and take bath to purify their mind and soul. Sisters along with the mother prepare festive food including a sweet dish. A sister then arranges the customary Rakhi Puja Thali consisting of Rakhi, Tika, Mithai, Diya besides other traditional puja items to carry out the ceremony. At the opportune time she ties Rakhi on her brother's wrist, apply tika on his forehead and perform arti of him. Praying for her brother's long life sister puts a sweet in bhaiya's mouth.
Brother reciprocates by presenting Rakhi Return Gifts to sister and promises to guard her against all hardships in life. This simple Rakhi ceremony symbolizes and strengthens the eternal bond of love between a brother and sister.
Rakhi Celebrations
In India, celebrations for Rakhi begin a month before the festival. Markets wear a festival look as colorful Rakhi stall mushroom in every nook and corner of the country. Brothers and sisters staying away from home start making plans for a visit to home. For them Raksha Bandhan is the time for family reunion.
On the day of Raksha Bandhan spirit of the people is high and there is a general atmosphere of harmony and bliss. All family members gather and carry out the traditional customs of the day with joy and enthusiasm. Later, everyone relishes the best of food and have a good time.
Rakhi Shopping
Rakhi is the pious occasion on which boys and girls of all age explore the markets and shop beautiful gifts for their siblings. Shopping marts already start celebrating the day with heavily decorating look and style. Where sisters search for most beautiful Rakhis for their dearest brothers, on the other hand brothers checkout markets, jewelry shops to purchase beautiful apparels, stunning jewelry etc. for their dear sisters. The sweet shops are ready with their delicious sweets, which form an integral part of the celebrations.
