How Rakhi is Celebrated in Different Parts of India
No love is as pure as the love between brothers and sisters. A bond that begins with tantrums and occasional fights during childhood.
It slowly blossoms into supporting one another unconditionally. India celebrates this pious siblinghood with great fervour in every corner in the month of Shravana every year.
The sisters tie the holy thread across the wrists of the brothers. And the brothers don’t stay behind. They swear to protect them for a lifetime.
Given the country of diversity that India is, every state celebrates this festival slightly differently. To make the occasion even more special, many sisters also surprise their siblings with unique Rakhi gifts for brother. Let us explore the beauty in diversity.
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Rakhi Celebration in Western India
In the western state of Gujarat, Rakhi is celebrated alongside the festival of “Pavitropana”. People worship Shiva by giving offerings to the Shivlinga and pouring water. They visit temples on this occasion with the belief that seeking forgiveness would make them free of all past sins.
Moving a little towards the south comes Maharashtra and Goa. Here, Raksha Bandhan falls on the same day as “Nariyal Purnima”, which marks the start of the new fishing season.
The coastal communities worship Varuna (the sea god as per Hindu mythology). They offer coconuts to seek blessings. Sisters tie a rakhi on their brother’s wrist. What’s deliciously exciting? It is a festive food called puran poli.
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Rakhi Celebration in Southern India
In Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is also known as Avani Avittam. It is celebrated on the full moon night in the month of Shravan.
The festival is mainly dedicated to the male family members. The Brahmins take a sacred dip in the water to get atonement for their past sins. A ritual thread called “Janeu” is worn by them across the body.
If we move towards Karnataka, the culture of tying rakhi is again a people’s favourite, though a little differently. It is customary for daughters to tie the thread to their fathers in the many Telugu-speaking states.
Learn the general customs followed during Raksha Bandhan to understand how traditions vary beautifully across different regions.
Many scholars even begin their study of the Yajur Veda on this day. When it comes to delicious delights, it is the festive meals that feature dishes like payasam and vada.
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Rakhi Celebration in Eastern India
The love for Raksha Bandhan is certainly higher when we look at the eastern Indian states like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
The festival is broadly known as Jhulan Purnima, as the people worship Radha and Krishna. You are likely to find the festive feel amplified by devotional singing and dancing, as well as performing the Rakhi-tying ceremony.
In the states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, Raksha Bandhan is popular as Kajari or Sharavani. The day holds immense significance for women and farmers.
When we talk about the states of Assam and Tripura, the celebrations pick up even more enthusiasm. While the ritual of thread tying and making promises continues, people here get into many community events. You will find them tying rakhis to neighbours and friends, a sight worth seeing. It strengthens social harmony and develops unity.
Rakhi Celebration in Northeast India
Think of the north, and any festival is a day full of colours and utmost joy. So, the same follows for Raksha Bandhan. This holy festival meets more zeal and passion in the north than in any other region of the country.
In Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, the occasion is worth witnessing. The festival begins with hearty family gatherings where sisters perform the aarti.
They lovingly apply a tilak on the forehead of their brother. Next comes the tying of the holy rakhi thread on his wrist, not to forget the abundant sweets like a ladder, barfi, jalebi, and more found in every second home.
In the state of Haryana, people celebrate it as Salano, where priests fasten good luck threads or charm amulets on the wrist of the people to ward off evil. It is followed by flying colourful kites on this day, which adds to the festive atmosphere. The kite string is called “GattuDor” in the state of Jammu.
Get insights on how to care and celebrate during the Rakhi festival to better understand the traditions and rituals observed across different regions.
The country of India is unique, and so are its celebrations. There is room for all, and diversity is wholeheartedly welcomed.
Be it the coconuts of Maharashtra or the melodious bhajans of West Bengal and the Vedic chants in Tamil Nadu, to the kite-laced skies of Haryana, Raksha Bandhan stitches the country together with threads of love and shared celebration.
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