Legends associated with Raksha Bandhan

There are numerous stories and legends associated with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. In fact almost every festival in India has a mythological origin.  A legend surrounding the festival comes from the epic Mahabharata. Yudhishthira, the eldest son of Pandavas was advised by Krishna to observe the rituals of Raksha Bandhan to ensure his safety in the battle against the Kauravas. He did so and despite the fact that Pandavas had lesser manpower and resources, they won the war.

It is also believed that Yamuna used to tie a rakhi on the wrist of Lord Yama, the god of Death, as a talisman for safeguarding. She used to do this on every Shravan Poornima. And ever since, it has become the custom for sisters to tie rakhis on their brother’s wrists on this day.

Raksha Bandhan means “the bond of protection.” The main traditions of the festival is the tying of the sacred thread known as rakhi, and the vow of protection taken by the person on whose hand it is tied on. Another important tradition is the custom of rakhi return gifts which brothers give to their sisters in return for the rakhis. And with Raksha Bandhan just around the corner, people can be seen thronging marketplaces to buy rakhis and gifts. But in this age of computers people prefer to shop for their Raksha Bandhan gifts online. An added advantage of online rakhi shopping is that they can buy fancy rakhi online and have them delivered to their siblings in faraway places.

Secular Traditions of Indian Festivals

In India, people celebrate many traditional festivals and most of them are accompanied by religious rites and other traditions. The festivals are socio-religious in content but even when worship is performed according to the specific religious norms, participation in most of the festivals is not restricted to a particular community. Generally members of all the communities participate in the festivities, and the festivals are symbolic of the unity and diversity of Indian cultures.

Raksha Bandhan is one such festival of the country which has transgressed religious and cultural barriers. Although the festival is of Hindu origin, people from all communities whether they are Muslims, Sikhs, Jains or Christians participate in the festival with the same fervor and enthusiasm. The festival is a celebration of the unique relationship between brothers and sisters. On the day of the festival it is the custom for girls to tie a ritual thread around the wrists of their brothers. The thread is popularly known as rakhi and it symbolizes the binding of the siblings into a relationship for life. When a girl ties a rakhi on the wrists of any male it becomes his natural duty to protect her from all harm at all times. So the brothers or the males takes a vow of safeguarding their sisters and also present them with gifts in return for the rakhis.

The rakhi tradition is inherent in Indian culture and people consider it of great importance that they send rakhi and gifts for their siblings even at faraway places. These days in the modern age of the internet people buy their Raksha Bandhan gifts online and have them delivered to a destination of their choice. Not only have some of the old traditions changed but the rakhi thread itself which was originally a home-woven simple thread, are now available in fancy designs.  And the fancy rakhi threads are not sold only in traditional shops and marketplaces but people also buy fancy rakhi online from internet gift stores.

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.

Cover Distances with Rakhi Gifts Online

Raksha Bandhan is a traditional festival commemorated on the Hindu month of Shravana. The day is special as it is an important occasion for social gatherings and renewing familial ties. The festival honors the special relationship between brothers and sisters. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan the sister ties a sacred thread known as Rakhi around the wrist of her brother. It is a token of love and commitment, while the brother in turn presents her with gifts and takes a vow to protect her for all time. The day is marked by gifting and in this modern age the trend is for both sisters and brothers who present gifts to each other.

There are a plethora of gifts for rakhi available online. Ranging from the traditional to the modern and various exclusive gift hampers, the options are nearly endless. Choose from an amazing range of beautifully designed and embellished Fancy Rakhis. Pair them along with chocolates or cakes or gift a thali with traditional sweets for a whole hearted gift. You can also pamper them with some exclusive gift hampers including perfumes and bath products, fashion accessories and the best quality soft toys for all ages.

Even if your sibling lives apart from you, you can still reach them and send your gifts and best wishes on this memorable occasion. Buy Rakhi Gifts online and have it delivered to a destination of your choice. Your gifts for rakhi will be there in stipulated time and in pristine condition.