Raksha Bandhan 2018

Posted by Sapna on August 11th, 2018

Raksha Bandhan is on the 26^th of August, 2018 Wednesday. This festival has been celebrated since the ancient times of India.  Raksha Bandhan is also known to the people of West as the Festival of Sacred Thread. The celebration taking place in the families denote the unrivaled bond between a brother and a sister. In some parts of Indian especially northern ones, this festival is also regarded as the Rakhi Purnima, one of the twelve Purnimas in a year. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated during the month of Shravan (Aug-Sept) on Full Moon Day.

The core part of any Indian festival is that it is incomplete without the families getting together, the exchange of sweets, gifts, even money, rituals, prayers, music, singing, dancing and more. Today the Rakhi festival is celebrated by the people mostly from western and northern parts of India. However, there are other sections, sects or faiths of the Indian subcontinent that also celebrate the festival due to its central idea of glorifying the bond between brothers and sisters.

With India being a multicultural nation, the Rakhi festival is celebrated across the nation but with slight customary variations. However, the central theme remains the same. ‘Raksha’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Raksha’ meaning ‘protection’ and ‘Bandhan’ meaning ‘bond’. On this day, sisters come to brothers’ home for the holy Rakhi-tying ceremony. Brothers take an oath to protect their sisters from any problems and calamity. Brothers after their sister tie them Rakhis pledge to protect them.

Raksha Bandhan for centuries has been celebrated in the same customary ways. Though, the changing lifestyles and digitization on the horizon, it is now celebrated extravagantly.

Buying Rakhis For Brothers:

Weeks before the festival falls on its Tithi or day, the marketplaces fill up with the arrival of Rakhis offered in different designs, styles, and colors or in unique patterns and themes. Girls and ladies of all ages are seen at the stalls and shops to purchase the colorful Rakhis.  

Not just traditionally ornate Rakhis, but there are cartoon themed Rakhis featuring Minions, Mickey Mouse, Donald, Ben Ten, Spider-man and the like for the kids. Then there are Rakhis featuring Rudraksha beads and gemstones. Although slightly costlier, these Rakhis look rich and feel premium on the hand.

You can buy Rakhis from the market online get varieties of the same. If your brother is abroad miles way, you can still buy a Rakhi online, send Rakhi cards, e-Rakhis and more.

Happy Raksha bandhan!!!