Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi), Jandhyala/ Sravana Poornima

How Is The Festival Celebrated?

As with all festivals, this Raksha Bandhan too involves a traditional bath. Females place a Rakhee, one for each brother being honoured, on sweet-meats in a plate. A traditional aarti (a ritual involving lighting of camphor balls) devoted to their brothers and place a "Tilak" on the brothers’ foreheads. After this ritual, the sisters tie the Rakhis to their brothers' wrists and offer them sweets, and pray for the well being and prosperity of their brothers.

It is customary on the part of brothers to gift some money or valuables to their sisters. On that day brothers take lunch at their sister's house.

In olden days people used to make the Rakhis with silk threads and coloured beads. Today, Rakhis of various colours and designs are available in the market.

Interesting References of Raksha Bandhan

In Uttar Pradesh, mothers whose first child is a son, follow a tradition in which they place wheat or barley grain in a bowl of water nine days before this festive day. These grains are then placed near the idol of "Bhagavathi Devi" in their house and prayers are offered these nine days during which the grains sprout. This ritual concludes on the day of Raksha Bandhan.

In Punjab, women recite their traditional prayers to God for the well being of their brothers.