Rakhi is the physical symbol of the emotions involved with the festival. The emotions of love, affection and care. It is the sentiments that matter on this day and what can be a better expression of the sisterly love than a self made rakhi.

Ideas on Rakhi making..

Silk Threaded Rakhi

Materials required:-

1. Silk threads-multi-coloured
2. Cotton thread
3. Beads, sequins
4. Scissors
5. Glue

Method for making Rakhi:-
Take a bunch of silk threads, multicolored if you want a colorful rakhi. Red and yellow are considered auspicious colors. You can also use a strand or two of golden thread. The threads should be around 30" long. Fold the length of the thread bunch to half. Tie a tight knot at one fourth of the length using the cotton thread. Cut the loops of the folded thread and fluff the open ends with a hard brush.

Divide the longer part of the thread into two halves and plat them in desired way. Tie the ends with the cotton thread and fluff the open ends. These two strands will be used for the tying.

Decorate the upper part with sequins, beads or religious motifs. If you are using multicolored threads arranged in some specific way, cut them short to a suitable length not more than ½".

Kalava or Moli Rakhi

Materials required:-

1. A Moli or Kalava
2. Cotton Thread
3. Scissors
4. Glue
5. Religious Symbol/ Rudraksh
6. Tulsi/ Sandalwood Beads or Tiny Shells

Method for making Rakhi:-
Take a 50" long thread and fold it in the middle. Plat the thread in the desired manner. Tie the cotton thread leaving some space at the ends. Remove all the loops from the ends. Stick the religious symbol or rudraksh in the middle and if you want decorate the rest of the length of the rakhi with beads or tiny shells. You can stick them or even stitch them on the braided thread.

God Rakhi

Materials Required:-

1. Colored thread
2. Few golden beads
3. Small sized buttons
4. Small picture of Goddess or religious symbol

Method for making Rakhi:-
Take a colored thread and tie about 5 golden beads and a small button after it. Repeat this along the entire length of the thread. Paste any religious picture or symbol on the button in the middle of the thread. Your home made rakhi is ready.