MAIN Holidays & Observances Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)

A celebration of the bonds between a brother and sister, the family holiday of Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is celebrated in most Indian communities around the world.

In India and many communities where people from India live, cousins, or anyone close to your who does not have a sister or brother of their own may be honored as brothers and sisters on this day.

The sister ties the rakhi, a silk string, around her brother's wrist. More elaborate modern versions may be gold or intricately woven strands of silk, but the traditional rakhi given to brothers on Raksha Bandhan is a single strand of silk that symbolizes the bond. The silk is delicate...almost invisible, but extremely strong. The brother usually gives a gift in return -- sometimes sweets, but very often a generous gift of money to help his sister through the year!

On Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi), prayers are said and the entire family joins the celebration. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Shravana. That is August 28 in 2007.

Resham ki dori se sansaar baandhaa hai!

"The sun radiates its sunlight, the radish spreads its seeds,
I tie the rakhi on you, my brother, and wish that may you live long."

Raksah Bandan - A very nice collection of Raksha Bandhan information and resources including traditions, legends, fun facts, recipes and gift ideas.

Bawarchi: Indian Festivals - This is a cooking site which mixes Narial Purnima with Raksha Bandhan and gives a recipe for Two Coloured Coconut Barfi along with a background on the two holidays. If you follow the link to the second page you'll find recipes for many more sweets.

Manas Festivals - This site is an excellent resource for learning about India. The sections on culture and the arts are very well done. Many festivals are covered. The article on Raksha Bandhan explores the history, traditions and current social culture that makes this holiday important.

India Nest Festivals of India - There are two articles on Raksha Bandhan and Rakhi mixed in with other festivals. One is an in depth discussion of the religious myths that form a background for the feast and the other is a very touching story of a woman who rediscovered the meaning of the rituals.

Sisterly Quotations & Poetry - If you'd like to send a note to your sister and are having trouble coming up with words to express your sentiment you'll find something here that captures exactly what you want to say...an entire site devoted to the importance of sisters in our lives.

Raksha Bandhan - Wallpapers for your desktop, ringtones and picture messages to send Rakhi greetings to a brother's mobile phone or download to your own cell phone. Bhaiya Mere Rakhi, Yeh Rakhi Bandhan, Behna Ne Bhai Ki, Rakhi Dhagon Ka and others...

Bhai Phonta - This Bengali festival day is the equivalent of Raksha Bandhan. Many Asian countries have similar festivals that celebrate the relationships of the family, especially brothers and sisters.

Rakhi Greetings & E-Cards - Send a greeting across the street or around the world with this nice collection of cyber cards in Hindi and English.

Words that may not be familiar on these sites:

Bhabhi is a suffix for your sister, sister-in-law, the wife of a male cousin or other women to whom you are very close. It is sometimes used by itself, in place of the person's name in the same way that the English word Grandmother is used. You might say Grandmother Jane or Grandmother Smith, but you may just say Grandmother. Here you can say Mary-Bhabhi or just Bhabhi.

Bhai is for a brother or older male cousin or a man who is like a brother to you. You would say John-Bhai or just Bhai.

If you know any holiday recipes that you'd like to share,
please add them to the Chiff Chef recipes section...

also see -> Diwali | Makar Sankranti | Holi | Janmashtami

Friendship Day | India Independence Day

also see in Religion -> Hinduism