Rakhi Celebration in India

Rakhi is a true Indian festival in every sense. It is an auspicious day to celebrate the beautiful relationship shared between a brother and a sister. The festival of raksha bandhan portrays the true picture of our rich cultural heritage and traditions. With the passage of time it is the celebration styles and perspective that has become contemporary but the customs, traditions and rituals is the same till date. Even today, the rituals are followed with the same respect and enthusiasm.

Rakhi Rituals in India

On this day, people get up early in the morning and get ready for puja. The day begins with the offering of prayers to the deities. After seeking the blessings of God, the sister brings her thali and performs the aarti. She ties rakhi on brother’s wrist and put roli on his forehead. The brother then presents her a gift and vows that he will protect her till the last breath of his life and promises to stand by her side in her good and bad times. This is how Rakhi festivity is celebrated in India.

Indian Multi-facet Culture & Rakhi celebration

Due to India’s multifaceted cultural background each regions has a different name and celebration for the Rakhi Purnima but what ever may be the custom or tradition the common link is the tying of Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan, which is now a part of all the ceremonies. The various names associated with raksha bandhan festival are Nariyal Purnima, Shravana Purnima, Avani Avittam, Balev, etc.

People spend lavishly on every small thing that is associated with the Rakhi festivity. The festival can never be complete without exchange of rakhi gifts.

Handmade Rakhi

A rakhi is a simple thread attached with emotional feelings of love, affection and care. It is the sentiments that matter on this day and what can be a better expression of the sisterly love than a self made rakhi. You can also make rakhi of your own and give it a personal touch. Following are few simple methods to make handmade rakhi.

Kalawa Rakhi

These days in vogue are rakhis made of kalava or moli (the read thread used for tying on wrist during a religious event). These are more suitable for those who have to keep the rakhi tied for a longer time, as in some faiths when it is removed after three days or it is removed on the Dussehra which falls in October.

Materials required
A Moli or Kalava
Cotton Thread
Scissors
Glue
Religious Symbol/ Rudraksh
Tulsi/ Sandalwood Beads or Tiny Shells

Take a 50″ long thread and fold it in the middle. Plat the thread in the desired manner. Tie the cotton thread leaving some space at the ends. Remove all the loops from the ends. Stick the religious symbol or rudraksh in the middle and if you want to decorate the rest of the length of the rakhi with beads or tiny shells. You can stick them or even stitch them on the braided thread.

Gold & Silver Coin Rakhi

Take two or three colours of silk thread preferably Gold, Silver & Red.
Get Gold or silver coins from gold shop & get gold & silver color net cloth which can be kept under the coin which gives a grand look.
Take the net cloth give it a good shape & make a hole in between the cloth which can attach the cloth & the threads.
Take a combination of red & gold silk thread.
Make a knot as per your convenience but not in the middle coz that should be the joining for the coin, net cloth & thread. Leave the thread open on the two ends.
Your Gold Coin Rakhi is ready.

Double Rakhi Making Idea

Materials Required
Colored thread
Rudraksha or Tulsi beads
Two laces / A string of beads
Hook to tie

Method for making Rakhi:
Take a thread make a circle of rudraksha or tulsi beads. To the circle of beads attach two laces / a string of beads and hook to tie. The rakhi made like this will be durable and is spiritually good for brothers.

Rakhi Thali Decoration

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, rakhi thali decoration is as important as the other rituals. A beautifully decorated rakhi thali consists of a diya, roli or tika, rice, sandalwood and incense sticks. The Rakhis are kept along with the moli in the thali. One can come across a lot more variations of Rakhi Thali available in the market. It can be of silver or brass or simple steel. They may have fixed containers and stands for the various components of the Pooja or have complimenting incense stick stands and diyas, containers for rice and roli and place to keep sweets.

Prior-steps of Rakhi Thali decoration

The most essential job in decorating a rakhi thali is to make a Swastika or a symbol of Lord Ganesha at the center of the thali. Many tiny containers are required for roli, rice and water, a diya and an incense stick stand. Rakhi and flowers can be places in the Thali itself and sweets can accompany in a separate plate.

Thali with Betal Leaves:- Betel leaves can also be used as a replacement of the containers.

Thali with Banana Leaves :- Banana leaves can also be kept on an ordinary tali to give it a festive look and arrange the pooja ingredients on the banana leaf.

Dry-fruits Thali :- Dry-fruits like cashew nuts, chestnuts, raisins, cocoa nut, pistachio, almond, betel nut etc. can also be used for Rakhi thali decoration. Circles of different dry- fruits can be made on the thali which gives a colorful look.

Roli-turmeric Thali :- Rakhi thali can also be decorated with roli and turmeric. These can be used as liquid by adding little water. The red and yellow combination of these two will give a traditional look to your Thali.

Floral Thali :- Different fresh colorful flowers can also be used to decorate Rakhi thali. One can either fill the thali with flowers or decorate them only on its boundary. Instead of entire flower only the petals of flower can also be used for decoration.

Recipes for Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a festival to celebrate with family and siblings. Here are some delicious rakhi recipes for your dear ones to make them feel more special. These recipes, when served with love and delight, create an amazing aura.

Khoya Burfi
Ingredients :- 1 Lt. Milk, 75 gms sugar, 50 grams naryal chura (coconut powder), 20 grams pistachios chopped, 20 grams almonds chopped.

Method :- Boil milk reduce heat and let it simmer for 45-minutes to one hour till thick paste like. Keep stirring in between. Add sugar and coconut powder and stir till sugar dissolves. Grease a thali and pour the batter. Garnish with pistachios and almonds. Let it cool and cut into square or rhomboid pieces.

Mal Pua
Ingredients :- 250 grams plain flour, sifted water, 1 tbsp. powdered sugar, oil for frying, Sugar Syrup, 500 grams sugar, 625 ml water, Garnish, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, Rose water, Fresh cream sweetened.

Method :- Mix sifted flour, sugar and water to form smooth, medium thickness batter and keep aside for 30 min. Heat oil in a shallow flat bottomed pan. Carefully spread the mixture in the pan and fry till golden brown. Transfer the pancake into the sugar syrup. Serve hot garnished with cardamom, rosewater and fresh cream.

Sugar syrup
Put sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer for 8-10 minutes till thick syrup is formed.

Pakoras
Ingredients :- 250 grams besan, ½ tsp. Turmeric, ½ tsp. red chilly powder, 1 tsp. dried pomegranate seeds, 1 tsp. Coriander paste, 1 medium sized onion chopped, 1 medium sized potato chopped, 1 green chilly chopped, Salt to taste.

Method :- Mix all the ingredients to make a thick batter. Heat oil in a frying pan. Drop chunks of the batter in hot oil and fry till light brown. Drain cut into small pieces using a blint knife and re fry till crisp. Serve hot with green chutney and tamarind chutney.

Banana Cutlets
Ingredients :- 6 Raw bananas, 1/4 cup fresh peas boiled, 1/4 cup beet root, boiled and finely chopped
1 tbsp. each mint leaves & coriander leaves finely chopped, 4-5 green chillies finely chopped, 1″ piece ginger grated(optional), 1/2 tsp. each mustard & cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp asafetida, 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder, 1 tsp. Amchur, oil to deep fry, 1-1/2 cups Breadcrumbs, salt to taste.

Method :- Steam whole bananas with skins, till soft. Remove skins. Mash while still hot. And keep aside. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a pan, add seeds, allow to splutter. Add asafoetida, mint, coriander, chillies, ginger, amchur, peas and beet root. Mix this well with the mashed bananas. Add salt and other spices as well.

Heat oil in a pan. Shape the cutlets with the mixture, roll them in the breadcrumbs and deep fry till golden brown. Drain and serve hot with green chutney or tamarind chutney or tomato ketchup.

How to make handmade Rakhi cards?

Handmade Rakhi cards add a personal touch to the celebration. There are few interesting ideas for making various types of Rakhi cards to show the love and affection. One can take inspiration from the following ideas and can create an innovative and special Rakhi card for his or her brother or sister.

Mouli-Frame Rakhi Card
Mouli is mainly a thread which was considered as holy thread for any religious rites. Rakhi cards made up of these mouli threads and look extremely beautiful. The following simple steps can help you make such rakhi in minutes.

Materials Required :-
Handmade card paper
Mouli or Kalawa
Red and yellow color
A small carved Ganesh or Swastika.

Method :-
Now cut the paper into desired size and fold the paper from the centre. Leaving some border, paste the mouli-thread making a rectangle, the size of this rectangle may vary as per your design. Line with a decorative border on the inside using red and yellow colors and paste the motif of Ganesha or Swastika a little off center towards top and write ‘Happy Raksha Bandhan’ or similar short message below the motif.

Mouli Rakhi Card with contemporary look
Make the mouli framed rakhi card by using the above instructions. Now if you wish to give it a contemporary look, use a lace or ribbon instead a mouli. You can also use pressed flowers at the centre and write your message inside the card.  Enclose the Rakhi envelope with Akshat and tika.

Embroidered Rakhi Cards
Embroidered rakhi cards are easy and fast to make. They simply look stunning and lure the receiver. So make these cards by your own and win the heart of your brother or sister or any other person.

Material Required :-
Paper card sheet
Colored embroidery threads
Sewing needle
Glass beads
Tracing paper

Method :-
The making of embroidery Rakhi cards is fast and easy. Firstly, cut the card paper in the desired size and fold it from the center. Trace the pattern on the front side of the card. Stitch or paste the beads wherever desired. Write the Rakhi message with the help of marker or embroidery. Stick a Rakhi on the inside along with a small pouch of roli-rice.

Bhaiya-Bhabhi Rakhi Gifts

Raksha Bandhan is an occasion to celebrate not only with siblings but also with bhaiya-bhabhi. Tell them that they are extremely valuable to you and you love them the most. The relation of Bhaiya bhabhi with you has always been very close to the heart. Let this Raksha Bandhan be a special one by expressing your love to your bhaiya bhabhi. Tell them that they add a special color to your life.

Though it is widely known that Raksha Bandhan is a festival of brothers and sisters, but now it is not confined only to them. People have started celebrating this festival by presenting token of love to friends, family, neighbours and bhaiya-bhabhi. One can come across a number of Rakhi gifts items to present to your bhaiya-bhabhi this Raksha Bandhan and make them feel on top of the world. Some of the popular Rakhi gifts for bhaiya-bhabhi are as follows :

Apparels :- Gifting the latest trendy apparels to your bhaiya-bhabhi will make them feel really special this Rakhi. Let your Bhaiya and bhabhi know how important they are in your life by this simple token of love. Select from a nice collection of suits or sarees for your bhabhi and shirts or trousers for your bhaiya and tell them that they are the best bhaiya-bhabhi of this world.

Decorative Pieces :- Decorative pieces are designed to enhance the home decor. Presenting your Bhaiya and bhabhi with exclusive showpieces on the occasion of Rakhi will make them feel that this festival is not only for brothers and sisters. Make this Raksha Bandhan more special by gifting exquisite gift items to your bhaiya-bhabhi.

God Idols :- Bestow your bhaiya-bhabhi with all good wealth and health by presenting them God Idols. An auspicious creation of beaded Swastika will protect your brother from all evil powers.

Set of Wrist Watches :- Gift a set of designer wrist watches specially made for this occasion which enable them to stay ahead of time.

Electronics :- This Rakhi, gift your bhaiya-bhabhi something special that will make their life more beautiful. Electronics items can be the best choice for this purpose.

Sweets and chocolates :- Chocolates and sweets are loved by all then how can bhaiya-bhabhi be left behind. Gifting sweets and chocolates to your Bhaiya and bhabhi on this occasion of Rakhi will be a perfect idea, as sweets are an integral part of the Rakhi celebrations.

Rakhi Gifts for Kids

Raksha Bandhan traditions are age old and people are following them with the same zeal and enthusiasm.  The festival of Raksha Bandhan is incomplete without the exchange of Rakhi gifts. The tradition of exchanging classic Rakhi gifts on this auspicious day infuse the new spirit and make the moments lovely and special for whole life. Selecting a gift for kids is an interesting but tough job. Few of the most acceptable and popular Rakhi gift ideas are mentioned below :-

Apparels :- Everyone in this world love to have a wardrobe full of ethnic and modern dress wear. Gift your young brother or sister a set of fashion apparel and let them move with the trend.

Electronic Gadgets :- This Rakhi, express your deep love and concern for your young brother or sister and make them feel on top of the world.

Soft Toys :- Kids are very much fond of beautiful and cute soft toys. Make your young brother or sister more happy by simply gifting a hugging doll, teddy bear or any other soft toy. This will surely bring a million dollar smile on their face.

Set of various Games :- Give your young brothers and sisters a gift hamper of various games specially made for kids. These game sets come in a wonderful packing and are in great demand on this occasion.

Delicious Sweets and Chocolates :- Mix more sweetness in your relation by gifting a packet of delicious sweets and chocolates. This is a simple way to strengthen the bonding of love with your young siblings by presenting them with mouth-watering sweets prepared in pure ghee and enjoy the festivity of the day.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for brothers

The relation of a brother and a sister is among the best and pure relation on this earth. Raksha Bandhan is a day to celebrate this pious relation which involves tying Rakhi thread on the brother’s wrist by their sister. Rakhi gifts in India have the same significance as the festival itself. If you are searching for an exotic gift to please your brother this Rakhi, then you can think of the following gift ideas. Discussed below are the most popular types of Rakhi gifts for brothers.

Apparels

Strengthen your bond of love with your brother by gifting him branded shirts, t-shirts, kurtas, trousers, etc that will enhance his entire personality.

Perfumes & Body sprays

Perfumes and body sprays are integral part of life. Splurge your brother’s vanity by presenting him with special Perfumes that will surely going to be part of its precious gift collection.

Hi-tech Electronic Items-

Make your brother feel happy by presenting hi-tech Electronic Items like digital camcorder, automatic shoe polisher, hair dryer etc. Your brother will surely going to love your choice!

Wrist Watches

Wrist watches with stylish look will surely add a extra-appealing touch to the personality of wearer. Gifting a designer watch with an elegant note to your brother will create a lifetime memory.

Leather Bags/Wallets

Portfolio or laptop bags are quite a rage these days and can be a great Rakhi gift for brothers. Wallets, of course, are a traditional gift for brothers.

Rakhi Gifts for Sisters

The tradition of presenting Rakhi gifts to sisters is being followed since ages and nowadays even brothers are gifted with Rakhi presents. The celebration of Rakhi festival is incomplete without Rakhi gifts. One of the best way to express your love and affection towards your sisters is to gift her an exquisite Rakhi gift on this occasion.

For those brothers who are at a distance from their sisters can send Rakhi ecards or write a mail to their sisters expressing their love for sweet sisters. If you are thinking for a gift to lure your sister this Rakhi then the below mentioned ideas can surely help you.

Flowers : Flowers are scents of life spreading the essence of its beauty all around. Girls are very fond of fresh flowers. This Rakhi, pamper your dear sister by gifting her a bunch of fresh flowers.

Soft Toys- Make your sis feel on top of the world by gifting her with sweet and cute soft toys which are specially designed to take your breathe away. Show your love and care for her by gifting silky and lovely toys.

Fashion Apparels- Let your sweet sister create her own fashion statement. Presenting her the most trendy and stunning Apparels teamed with your infinite love, care and affection is the best idea to express your feeling.

Designer Jewelry- Give her an array of exquisitely fined studded Designer Jewelry, embellishing with your love and affection and wish your sister glitter and sparkling Raksha bandhan.

Special Chocolates- Treat your sister with tasty and crispy Special Chocolates with finger-licking varieties. Give sweet wishes to your sisters by presenting chocolates in premium style pack.

Bags & Purses- Gift your sister a stylishly designed or hand embroidered bag with lots of mirror work on it. An alluring beauty with appealing floral patterns will surely make her feel on top of this world.

Rakhi Gift Ideas

Rakhi is an Indian festival that falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month ‘Shravana’. It is a day to cherish the eternal bonding of love and affection with your siblings. The festival holds immense significance for all the brothers and sisters around the globe and so does Rakhi Gifts. Because the festival of Rakhi is incomplete without exchange of gifts. To make the day more remarkable, people scratch their heads for that bright and brilliant Rakhi Gift Idea which can express their love and affection in the most beautiful way. So, I came up with this blog to help you out. Just go through the various Rakhi gift ideas wrapped with sentiments and lots of emotions. These gifts will surely make the occasion more memorable and lively.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Brothers
The traditional simple thread Rakhi has transited into gold and silver. Thus, tyeing a gold and silver rakhi will facilitate your dual aims of Rakhi and will also become a precious Rakhi gift for him. Sisters can opt for cool Shirts, Watches, pens, show pieces, idols, sculptures and deodorants.  Chocolates, Mithais or Dry Fruits can also be used to add sweetness to the day..

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Sisters
Presenting an exotic Rakhi gifts to sisters is a trend since time immemorial. The value of gift is not decided by the number of zeros added in its cost price but by the affection and sentiments attached to it. Hence, showcase your love by presenting Perfumes, Designer Purses, fashion accessories, stylish apparel, accompanied with Fresh Flowers.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Bhaiya-bhabhi
Gifts for bhaiya-bhabhi can be picked from an array of electronic items, perfumes, wrist watches and decorative items.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Kids
Various types of Rakhi gifts can be availed from the market to please your young brother and sister. You can select from a range of soft toys, chocolates, photo albums, Tom & Jerry gift items.