Raksha Bandhan, an ancient-rooted Indian festival, is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and zeal by people of different cultures and religions. Been celebrating the purest siblinghood for ages; the festival usually falls on the full moon day of Shravan month or August; 11 August 2022. It marks the love and care between a brother and sister.
In India, the most awaited festival is celebrated with full pomp because it commemorates the loving bond of siblings. But, apart from India, this auspicious festival is also marked by various non-Hindu families residing in different parts of the world, as the occasion has evolved into a universal celebration of the unbreakable bond of sibling love. Sending Rakhi overseas has become so convenient because of online Rakhi portals; for example, you can opt for international online rakhi delivery in Newzealand.
There are different ways in which people celebrate the holy Raksha Bandhan festival in India. When a sister ties a sacred knot of love, i.e., Rakhi, on her brother’s wrist and in return, she gets presents and promises of protection in return. But, in different states, this festival is celebrated differently; below is the description!
Lumba Rakhi, Rajasthan
Raksha Bandhan is all about the precious bond between a brother and sister; Rajasthan is one such example that it is not limited to siblings. If a man is married, his sister will tie an embellished Lumba Rakhi on her sister-in-law’s bangle. Netizens believe that Raksha Bandhan customs are completed only when a sister ties a Lumba Rakhi because Hindu mythology suggests that a woman is ‘ardhangini’ or better-half of her husband.
Pavitropana, Gujarat
The auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan in Gujarat is celebrated widely by worshipping Lord Shiva. People offer water on Shivalinga and tie a thread around it. The holy intertwined thread is made using cotton and grass (Kasa); it is then entirely soaked in five pure elements like Milk, Dung, Urine, Curd and Ghee (made with milk). It is believed that this ritual removes the sins and purifies the soul.
Jhulan Purnima, West Bengal
On the full moon day of the month, the five-day-long festival completes. Starting on the holy Ekadashi day, this festival marks the relation of Radha and Krishna. As the name suggests, the Jhula, also known as the swing, decorate aesthetically for the deities to sit and enjoy. The festival sees various Yatras or rallies where dancing and singing are performed.
Narali Purnima, Maharashtra
People of this coastal area celebrate the Raksha Bandhan day along with Narali Purnima, which falls on the full moon day of the Shravan month. They make their offering to the sea with Nariyal or coconut. The concept behind the ritual is that the people living near the sea, like fishers, show their gratitude to Lord Varun. When the sea calms down after a tremendous Monsoon, they start capturing fish, as their livelihood depends on it.
Gamha Purnima, Odisha
People of Odisha believe that their domesticated buffaloes and cows should be worshipped like all the deities as they provide a livelihood to many households. They decorate them beautifully, worship them, and make a sweet dish called Pitha. It is made of coconut filling and rice paste using pure ingredients. The prasad is then distributed to the near and dear ones.
Kajari Purnima, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh
Purnima is basically a full moon day of the month. The netizens celebrate the festival by worshipping the deities and marking the start of the new agricultural season. They believe their main crops, wheat and barley, will flourish the following year. According to the traditional rituals, only women who have given birth to sons can carry out the ceremonies. They gather some amount of soil in a cup made of fresh leaves, which is then kept in a pitch-black room of the house for seven days of worship before being submerged in a body of water. Goddess Bhagwati is prayed to for a successful harvest and the family’s welfare.
Raksha Bandhan is one of the most awaited festivals we have in India. It is mainly celebrated across the country and overseas by people of Hindu families and also non-Hindu families. The festival witnesses a lot of loving gestures of devotees, siblings, and everyone who takes part in any of the rituals. The auspicious Raksha Bandhan festival is also known as Rakhi Purnima.
