Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Happy Raksha Bandhan!

All over India, brothers and sisters are celebrating their special bond today. Raksha Bandhan (which means 'bond of protection') is the only Hindu festival dedicated to brothers and sisters. Though more popular in Northern and Western India, the festival is marked in other regions as well, and celebrated in different ways.

The ritual involves a sister tying a ‘rakhi’ around the brother’s wrist, performing an 'aarti', putting a 'tilak' on his forehead and praying for his well-being. In return, the brother pledges to take care of her and gives her a return gift.

Today, while the rakhi tradition still holds strong, the celebrations are more unconventional. Stores are flooded with every kind of design imaginable, rakhis are now couriered to brothers, and unusual gift ideas include a gym membership or and iPod.


Times might have changed, but the significance of Raksha Bandhan hasn’t.

1 comment:

  1. HELLO WONDERFUL PEOPLE FROM MUMBAI SMILES.
    THIS CELEBRATION OF RAKSHA BANDHAN IS ONE I HAVE NOT HEARD OF. SO HERE IS ANOTHER CLASS OF INDIAN CULTURE. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE QUITE OFTEN LEARN INTERESTING THINGS FROM YOU, THAN MAKES IT FUN TOO ( FOR THOSE INTERESTED :)) ).
    HAPPY 'RAKSHA BANDHAN' TO YOU AND THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU !!!!!!!

    THE BEST OF THE BEST FR.. ... AND ABUNDANTLY, ALWAYS !!!

    p.s.LYalle

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