Even though Raksha Bandhan is traditionally a Hindu festival, the occasion has now turned out into a much more secular even with people from all religions and ethnicities participating in it. The festival is celebrated predominantly in the subcontinent of India and in the rest of the world with considerable Indian population. But it is not Hindus alone, Muslims, Sikhs and Jains to participate in this unique festival. Raksha Bandhan transcends religious boundaries and cuts across cultural boundaries.
The festival is also an occasion for renewing societal ties and family gatherings. On the day of the festival, after the sister has tied the sacred thread known as rakhi around the wrists of their brother, the tradition is for the brother to bless and present her with gifts. The rakhi gifts for sisters are a token of his accepting her love and relationship and they portray commitment and security. The brothers take a bow to protect their sisters at all costs with these return gifts. The act of tying rakhi and gifting is not limited to real brothers and sisters; even biologically unrelated people tie Rakhis and present gifts to one another. Anyone whom we consider as brothers or sisters are remembered on this occasion, and even if one stays abroad or are far from home, they still send Rakhi gifts to sister through couriers and online services. Raksha Bandhan is a festival that promotes harmony and mutual love between people near or afar, and across religions and blood ties.
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