Raksha Bandhan: Biggest Mistakes to Skip
| Mistake | Quick Fix |
| Last-minute gifting | Order 7–10 days early |
| Generic gifts | Pick something personal or customized. |
| Rushed rituals | Set time, light a diya, add music & memories. |
| Cold virtual calls | Dress up, include family, share a virtual meal. |
| Brothers ignoring sisters | Write a note, choose a thoughtful gift, show care. |
Raksha Bandhan is a festival about love, strong bonds and lifelong protection between siblings. In recent years, it has also become synonymous with gifting and celebration.
We do understand that life can get in the way of your celebration, but you don’t want to come up short as far as Raksha Bandhan is concerned.
A few unintentional mistakes can cast a sour note on the joyous occasion: so whether you’re celebrating together or with your sibling thousands of miles away, a little planning can keep things smooth and harmonious.
We list some common rakhi celebration mistakes and how you can avoid them:
Leaving Gifting to the Last Minute
Don’t wait until the day before Raksha Bandhan to order a rakhi for your brother or send across his gifts. Courier services are normally clogged with last-minute deliveries that result in delays or rushed drop-offs, so make sure your gift to your sibling is not part of this.
Raksha Bandhan tip: Plan as early as is feasible. If you’re sending a rakhi to your brother in another country, enlist the help of brands like IGP to do the needful.
But give yourself at least 7 to 10 days between buying the rakhi and having it delivered. Online platforms like IGP also offer curated rakhi gift hampers that you can send anywhere in the world, but you must do so in time.
Choosing Gifts That Feel Impersonal and Last Minute
If you are rushed for time, you will easily be tempted to pick the first gift item you see and send it off. is your sibling going to appreciate a generic gift like a mug or ‘Best Brother’ T-shirt? Where’s the love in sending a gift that says nothing about your bond? Pick a gift that you can customise and which will hold deep meaning for your brother.
Avoid rakhi gifting errors by spending just five extra minutes thinking about what your sibling likes, their current needs, or looking for items on their wishlist (if possible). A thoughtful gift like a customised rakhi, a book signed by their favourite author, or even a skincare kit, will be a cherished one.
Not Setting Enough Time aside for the Actual Rituals
You booked the perfect rakhi and gifts, but have you thought about the ritual of tying the rakhi? Tying the rakhi and exchanging gifts is a beautiful tradition, but you have only a limited window to do it. And it won’t feel special if you rush through it.
We have a raksha bandhan tip for you: Set enough time aside, light a diya, curate a song list, and infuse meaning into the ritual, even if you are doing it virtually. Take the time to exchange memories about past celebrations, and chat about your lives. These small touches make the celebration a loving and meaningful one.
Virtual Does Not mean Impersonal
In today’s world, many siblings are separated by oceans and continents. Their celebrations take place over video calls. But your Raksha Bandhan celebration can be much better.
One of the biggest rakhi celebration mistakes is tying the rakhi like a formality. Both siblings must take the time to plan ahead: dress up, decorate the house, include families on both sides, and spend as much time chatting as possible. Some siblings even prefer to eat a meal during the video call.
Ignoring Your Sister’s Efforts (This One’s For Brothers!)
Sisters tie rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, brothers give them gifts. But today’s men are more creative in their gifting approach and want to do more than just hand over money as a gift.
Here’s one of the most important rakhi dos and don’ts: Let your sister know you respect and love her deeply, and that the festival is not a one-way street. Write her a warm message, take some time to choose a good gift that she will like and use, and send it along on time before the delivery rush begins.
Avoiding a few common mistakes ensures that the celebration is joyous and heartfelt. It keeps the tradition alive and your bond strong!
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