Raksha Bandhan Around the World – Threads of Love Across Borders
Raksha Bandhan is one of the most loved festivals in India. While it has deep roots in our culture and traditions, the festival’s significance extends far beyond the borders of the country. The threads of love and sibling affection transcend borders and are widely celebrated across the globe.
In this digital age, you can even send rakhi online to your beloved siblings who are far away, ensuring that the bond of Raksha Bandhan remains unbroken regardless of the distance between you.
Raksha Bandhan celebration in different countries adds its cultural touch making it a unique and vibrant festival.
Raksha Bandhan Celebrations in Nepal
The festival holds a lot of cultural significance in Nepal. It is not known by the name Raksha Bandhan but is called Janai Purnima or Rishitarpani. However, the essence of the festival is the same- to deepen the bond of love between brothers and sisters.
Similarities to Indian Traditions
While most rituals resemble the ones performed in India, such as applying tilak on the forehead, performing aarti, etc., some make Nepal’s Raksha Bandhan unique. In a sacred thread ceremony, men change the threads they wear around their chests.
In other parts of the country, women and girls tie rakhis on their brother’s wrists and get blessings and gifts in return, along with a promise of protection and lifelong commitment. Both Hindus and Buddhists celebrate this festival in Nepal.
Raksha Bandhan in Bangladesh
Regarding the Raksha Bandhan celebration in different countries, Bangladesh can not be left behind. Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi Purnima or Jhulan Purnima, is mainly celebrated by the Hindus in Bangladesh. Sisters tie different rakhis on their brother’s wrists and pray for their well-being.
Observance by Hindu Community
The tying of rakhis symbolizes the strengthening of the bond between the siblings. The Hindu community in Bangladesh celebrate the festival through familial gatherings, feasting together and exchanging gifts and blessings. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month Shravana and is also popular as Brother and Sister Day.
Raksha Bandhan in Mauritius
In the multicultural country of Mauritius, Raksha Bandhan holds a lot of significance in the different communities’ hearts. Hindus, Muslims, and other ethnic groups celebrate the festival. Therefore, Mauritius ranks high when discussing the Raksha Bandhan celebration in different countries.
Multicultural Celebrations
Raksha Bandhan in Mauritius is a celebration of sibling love and its unity in diversity. People from different backgrounds come together to celebrate this festival harmoniously and joyously. The Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio plays Hindustani songs which people can dedicate to their brothers and sisters.
Raksha Bandhan Celebrations in the United States
A sizeable population in the United States belongs to India. Therefore, Raksha Bandhan holds a significant value in the US too. The festival reminds people of their cultural roots and beloved traditions. Sisters who reside in India send love-filled rakhis and rakhi hampers to their brothers in the US.
IGP.com online rakhi delivery to USA. You can choose from a wide variety of rakhis, including traditional rakhis, designer rakhis, and rakhis with gifts. You can also add a personal message to your rakhi.
Diaspora Celebrations Among Indian Communities
The Indian communities in the United States, especially those who have migrated from their native land, look at Raksha Bandhan as an opportunity to come together, celebrate the bond of brothers and sisters and reaffirm their love and support for one another, even if one or more of their siblings are in another country.
Raksha Bandhan in the United Kingdom
For the British Indian community living in the United Kingdom, Raksha Bandhan is an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, culture and tradition. While the Raksha Bandhan celebration in different countries may have slight nuances, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the British Isles.
Cultural Significance for British Indians
Indian families gather together, and sisters tie rakhi to their brothers to express their love and gratitude. Brothers, in turn, give gifts to their sisters, promise to protect them, and be there for them in times of need for the rest of their lives. Thus, Raksha Bandhan in the US is all about tradition and the exchange of affection and gifts.
Raksha Bandhan Celebrations in Australia
The land down under is not devoid of Raksha Bandhan celebrations. The Indian community in Australia makes sure an atmosphere of joy and togetherness is created on this day. However, the Bandhan celebration in different countries always involves a cute rakhi.
Indian Diaspora’s Festive Gatherings
Sisters from India send beautiful rakhis to their brothers settled in Australia. Siblings who reside in the same country gather to celebrate the occasion and renew their bond of pure love and care.
The traditional rituals are followed, starting with prayers and aarti, tilak, and finally, tying of the rakhis. Raksha Bandhan is one of those Indian festivals that fosters a sense of belonging and connection within the Indian community in Australia.
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