In India, Rakhi celebrations are about strengthening the bond of love
between brothers and sisters and fostering brotherhood. This festival is not
a ritual, custom and tradition that can change over time but its style of
celebration has become contemporary. Since ages, Raksha Bandhan is being
celebrated in the same way. All the traditions are followed with the same
enthusiasm. The gaieties have only blown up to a larger scale. Rakhi
festival is the celebration of the chaste bond of love amongst the siblings.
Everyone start preparing for this festival much in advance. About a month
before the commencement of raksha bandhan, you can see fancy and colorful
rakhis in every market. Ladies start shopping for rakhi and rakhi gifts
quite early. They shop for new clothes and beautiful rakhi gifts specially
the one that have to be sent to their brothers staying far. Almost every
shop, be it sweet shops, garment shops, gift shops, or any other shop, all
are flooded with attractive rakhi gifts to attract people.
The celebration of
Rakhi, in
India, is well known for its carnival spirit and strengthening the bond of
love between brothers and sisters. In fact, India is globally known for its
colorful festivals and ever-green tradition. Celebrated with different
rituals, family get-together and sweets, Raksha Bandhan is about sentiments,
love and enjoyment. Like any other festival, rakhi has its unique
significance.
On the day of Rakhi festival, the festivity of this auspicious day begin by
the day break. After taking bath early morning, people get ready by wearing
new clothes and gather for worshiping. After invoking the the blessings of
the Gods, the sister performs brothers arti, puts tika and chawal on
his forehead and ties Rakhi amongst chanting of mantras. Sisters whole
heartedly give sweets to their brothers to eat which in turns add more
sweetness in the Raksha Bandhan celebration and pray for their well being.
In return, brothers pamper their sisters and present beautiful gifts to lure
them. They also promise to take care of her and stand by her side in any
circumstances.
After performing all these rituals, the whole family reunion to enjoy and
have fun. Then all of them share the delicious food, tasty sweets, gifts,
music and dance. It is a day to remember all the memorable time spent
together for those who, for any reason, are far away from their family.
Emotions can also be expressed through e-mails, e-cards, rakhi greeting
cards and rakhi through Internet. The overflowing emotions of siblings
cannot be stopped on this day.
Rabindra Nath Tagore started gathering of people like 'Rakhi Mahotsavas' in
Shantiniketan to propogate the feeling of brotherhood among people. He
believed that the this will invoke trust and feeling of peaceful
coexistence. Raksha Bandhan, for them, is a way to harmonize the
relationship of humanity. The tradition continues as people started tying
rakhis to the neighbor and friends.
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