Rakshabandhan and Their Special Significance for Sisters

Sisters can be a pain in the neck at times but they are the most lovable of them all. Even if they are annoyingly bratty, you cannot help but pamper them. They are most affectionate and adorable, and to a sister, a brother is one of the most important people in her life. He is the one who will protect and care for her no matter what, and he is also the one who have always looked out for her whether at school or at the playground. A brother however strict and stern will always cave in to the smile of his sister. No wonder sisters hold their brothers with deep affection and love.

And Rakshabandhan is the most special occasion for sisters and brothers everywhere. It is the day when sister can affirm her relationship with her brother and also expect loving gifts in return from him. The value of the gifts is not what really matters, but Rakhi gifts for sisters are matters of love and affection. A gift makes her feel secure in that the brother cares for her and she is also proud of his affection that he would take the effort to present her with a heartfelt gift. The tradition of Rakhi gifts for sister holds special significance for them that they will feel hurt and even unloved if by mistake they do not receive one. For a sister nothing could be more of joy and re-assuring than a gift from her beloved brother on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, the special festival for them.

Prayers, Wishes and Rakhi Gifts for Brothers

Raksha Bandhan, also abbreviated to Rakhi, is an ancient Indian festival that celebrates love, brotherhood and sibling ties. It is celebrated on the full moon in the Hindu calendar month of Shravana which usually falls in August. Traditionally, during the festival, sisters tie a rakhi, a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads, around their brothers' wrists to celebrate their relationship. Today the festival is not only limited to brother-sister ties, priests too tie rakhis around the wrists of congregation member and Rakhis are often shared between close friends. It is believed that when a woman ties this sacred thread then it becomes obligatory for him to honor his religious duty and protect her.

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the sisters perform poojas and offers prayers for the safety and well being of their brothers. They then tie a rakhi on the brother’s wrist and at the end of the ceremony the sister places a sweet in her mouth. Following this, her brother gives her a token gift of appreciation. The gifts may be anything from monetary gifts to elaborate presents. The tradition was for brothers to present their sister with gifts in return for the rakhis, but the festival has evolved over the years and sisters too present Rakhi gifts for brothers.  Even with these changes, the festival continues to foremost honor and upholds the relationship between a sister and brother. The trend of rakhi gifts for brother is also significant of the love and relationship between them.