Rakhi!

As it is obvious we are a inter-cultural couple. Srinu being from India and I born in the USA. When we had decided to marry it was very important to both of us not to lose who we both are religously nor culturally thus we celebrate both Hindu and Christian holidays! Aug.28th we celebrated Rakhi which is explained in more detail below. If only we had some of these cool traditions growing up! I feel our children are so fortunate to have access to the best of both worlds!

The Indian festival of tying the knot on the brother’s wrist is known as the festival of Raksha Bandhan. It is, indeed, the knot of amity, brotherhood and long life. Besides, it is a symbol of seeking divine bliss. It is a selfless prayer—urging good things, prosperity and good health for the man on whose wrist the thread is tied. So, Rakhi is a sacred religious festival that is celebrated across the globe. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the strong bond between brother and sister.

The word Raksha Bandhan means “bond of protection”. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is an occasion which celebrates the deep bonding of brother and sister. On this occasion sisters tie Rakhi or a sacred thread on brother’s a very important custom of that day. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great zeal in all over India. The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolize the love between sister and brother. The day is of great importance in the life of every Indian. After accepting the Rakhi from sister he in return gives a gift whereas sisters pray for her brother’s well being. Family get together and family feasting are the other Traditions of Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan is one of the important festivals of India. The meaning that the day carries cannot explained in words. The festival is often celebrated during the month of August. The day is usually the full moon day of the Hindu month Shravan. History of Raksha Bandhan is very old, the Indian history states that Maratha and Rajputh Queens who use to send Rakhi to the Mughal Kings who in turn promised protection of their sisters in critical moments. The Rakhi tied on brother’s wrist is not merely a thread but it is a thread that is stronger than an iron thread which symbolizes the deepest love and bond between brother and sister.

You will see in the images below that the girls will feed the boys a sweet (desert) then they will place kumkum (sacred powder) upon the boys heads, then tie the rakhi to their wrist. In return the boys will each present them with a gift.