The changing faces of Rakshabandhan

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.

Secular Tradition of Rakhi Festival

Most festivals are celebrations of life and social relationships. They usually celebrate some unique aspect of that community and are means to continue traditions. The mutual exchange of wishes and gifts on festival occasions serve as an enforcer of unity and mutual co-operation. And on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, brothers and sisters and others too exchange gifts. The festival honors the bond of affection between brothers and sisters, and on this day sisters tie the sacred thread rakhi on the brother’s wrists and the brother presents her with gifts in return. Originally a Hindu festival, Rakshabandhan is now celebrated by people from all communities, caste and religion including Muslims, Jains, and Sikhs. It also transcends family boundaries by including friends, neighbors and acquaintances in the ritual. It is maintained in the Indian tradition that whoever is bound by a rakhi from a women naturally assumes the role of her real brother and it also becomes obligatory to protect her at all times.

Rakshabandhan is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and joy by people all over the country and the Indian Diaspora worldwide. Traditionally on this occasion, the brothers present their sisters with gifts but nowadays sisters too present gifts to their brothers. The Rakhis itself is now available in a variety of designs and styles, and they are popularly known as fancy Rakhis. Embellished with colorful motifs and studded with precious stones, the fancy rakhis are a visual delight and a captivating sight. It is now easy to shop for rakhis online fancy Rakhi and gifts too can be ordered and sent to a destination anywhere in the country or aboard.