Goddess Laxmi tied rakhi to Raja Bali and he in turn fulfilled her wish to
return to her abode with Narayana. King Porus spared Alexander's life as a
gift to Alexander's wife who had tied a rakhi to him. Humayun reached out to
help Rani Karmawati accepting her rakhi. Thus sending Rakhi return gifts are
a part of the Rakhi tradition. The Rakhi Return Gifts are infact the
acceptance of the sisterly love.
Another reason for sending the return gifts on rakhi is that sisters come
to their parents and brothers. As a custom, she has to be bestowed with
gifts when she is going back. This tradition of rakhi return gift took a new
form in modern era and became a physical symbol of the brotherly pledge.
Earlier cash was given as gift for rakhi. In earlier ays it could be any
thing from Rs1/- to Rs. 11/-, 21/- and so on. Of late the gift articles were
send as rakhi return gifts. The gift can be any thing from clothes to
decoratives, cosmetics, jewelry boxes or electronic goods.
For children sending chocolates, toys or clothes as a gift is a good idea.
For the rest the gifts prefered these days are more practical. People prefer
sending useful gifts like decoratives complimenting the house decor, bangle
boxes, clothes or any other thing that the brother feels will be of use for
the sister.
Sending or gifting Gold souvenir are the current trend as rakhi gifts. Soft
toys are adored by young girls. Traditional itra and natural perfumes are
another favored gifts. Sending Bracelets, semiprecious stone ornaments or
watches remains an evergreen gifts for the young ladies.
On the more emotional side you could send something on raksha bandhan that
reminds you of the childhood days, the fun filled, carefree, naughty times
spent together.
All one needs is to keep in mind the tastes and interests of sisters while
sending the rakhi gifts. Remember to send the gift with sweets, cards or
chocolates. Sweet accompaniments are essentials of any festival celebration.
Return Gifts Ideas for
Sisters
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