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MAIN
Holidays
& Observances
Raksha
Bandhan (Rakhi)

Rakhis,
a symbol of devotion
between sister & brother.
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A celebration
of the bonds between a brother and sister, the family holiday
of Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is observed in most Indian communities
around the world.
In India
and many Indian communities, anyone close to you who does not
have a sister or brother of their own may be honored as brothers
and sisters on this day.
The highlight
of the observance is when a 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.
When is
Rakhi celebrated in 2009? Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on
the full moon of the month of Shravana. That is Wednesday, August
5, 2009.
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.
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...
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.
also
see -> Diwali
| Makar
Sankranti | Holi
| Janmashtami
Friendship
Day | India
Independence Day
also
see -> Hinduism
| India
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