Changes are inevitable with time and nothing remains the same forever. Even traditional festivals go through many changes with the onset of time. The festival of Rakshabandhan too has undergone significant changes in traditions. Some of the major changes are:
1) Fancy Rakhis: The traditional rakhi thread with its simplistic designs have been taken over by fancy or designer rakhis. A colorful rakhi embellished with radiant stones are one of the most popular fancy rakhi designs.
2) Inclusion of other family members in the rituals: Traditionally the rakhi ritual was confined to sisters and brothers only. But these days, sisters also tie rakhis on the wrists of their brother’s wives.
3) Lumba or Bhabhi Rakhis: The inclusion of sisters in law in the ceremonies has given rise to the lumba. And unlike rakhis they are not worn on the wrists but hooked on to a bangle instead. Lumbas are usually conical in shape with a loop tied to its highest point.
4) Pair of Rakhis: Nowadays people present rakhis in sets for both the brother and his wife. The set of rakhis are usually a rakhi and a lumba with similar features.
5) Rakhi gifts for brother: Traditionally it was only the brother who used to present the rakhi return gifts but now sisters too present rakhi gifts for their brothers.
6) Online rakhi shopping: Nowadays most people don’t go to traditional shops anymore as they prefer to shop for Rakshabandhan gifts online. Online shopping is much more convenient as one doesn’t have to throng busy marketplaces and instead they can have the rakhi gifts delivered at their doorsteps.
