Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is the most awaited Hindu festival commemorates the bond of love between a brother and sister.  this day literally translates to the 'bond of protection.' To celebrate this festival, brothers and sisters meet and exchange wishes. Sisters then tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, and an exchange of gifts usually takes place. It is a day when siblings pray for each others' well being and wish for each others' togetherness with lots of happiness and goodwill. The significance of Raksha Bandhan festival is huge in our country and is celebrated no lesser than any other festival. It is dedicated to the love of a sister and her brother holding immense importance in relationship. The name of the festival, Raksha Bandhan is made up of two words, Raksha (Protection) and Bandhan (Relation). this particular festival encompasses the warmth shared between the siblings 

Fancy and beautiful Rakhis are made and delicious sweets are prepared long before the Shravana Purnima. According to the Indian tradition, the family members get ready for the rituals early in the morning. Sisters prepare the puja thali which consists of roli, tilak, Rakhi threads, rice grains, aggarbattis (incense sticks), diyas and sweets. 

After offering the rituals to the deities of the family, the sister perform aarti of their brothers and ties Rakhi on their wrist put kumkum tika on the forehead of their brother and offer sweets. Then the brother in return pampers  their sister by giving them special gifts, acknowledging their unconditional love. The bless her with a promise to protect them from all evils of the world. The rituals performed on this occasion might differ from place to place but they carry the same enthusiastic aura throughout the globe.   

In Maharashtra, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated along with Narali Poornima (coconut day festival). Kolis are the fishermen community of the coastal state. The fishermen offer prayers to Lord Varuna, the Hindu god of Sea, to invoke his blessings. As part of the rituals, coconuts were thrown into the sea as offerings to Lord Varuna. The girls and women tie rakhi on their brother's wrist, as elsewhere.

In Haryana, in addition to celebrating Raksha Bandhan, people observe the festival of Salono. Salono is celebrated by priests solemnly tying amulets against evil on people's wrists. As elsewhere, sisters tie threads on brothers with prayers for their well being, and the brothers give her gifts promising to safeguard her.

Happy Raksha Bandhan, everyone!