Celebrating Sibling Relationships with Rakhi and Gifts

The relationship between a brother and sister is a priceless gift. Since they grew up and spent a lot of time together they know each other much better than anyone else and they become part of one’s another identity. Sisters and brothers are the best of friends and often they take the task of taking care of the others. It is one of the most endearing relationships of human beings.

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The traditional Indian festival of Rakshabandhan celebrates this special relationship. It is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu calendar month of Shravana which is usually in August. Traditionally, the brothers visit their sisters on this day. Sisters perform Poojas and pray for the well-being and long-life of their brothers. They also tie the Rakhi, which is a silk or cotton bracelet, typically bearing elaborate ornamentation, on the brother’s wrist. The brothers in return take a solemn vow to protect and safeguard her always and also present her with gifts. Like the very name Rakshabandhan suggests which means a bond of protection, the festival is meant to enhance the bond of love, affection and trust between brothers and sisters.

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Though Rakshabandhan is mainly a celebration of real brothers and sisters, it is not exclusive or limited to them only. People tie Rakhis on the wrists of anyone whom they consider as brothers whether they are friends, relatives, neighbors or acquaintances. It is maintained that when a woman ties the Rakhi around the wrist of any male, then it becomes his duty to treat her as a real sister and protect her from all harm. History is ripe with instances of this and people also tie Rakhi to strangers on this day in the spirit of the festival and too promote goodwill.

The gift giving tradition is also a unique aspect of this festival and they are given by the brothers to signal the acceptance of their relationship and as tokens of love and appreciation. But with the onset of time there has been a shift in gifting traditions. Nowadays, it is not only the brothers who present gifts but the sisters too present gifts to their brother. In the case of the brothers staying abroad or far from them, sister used to send Rakhi gifts for brothers either through courier or mail. This took a lot of time and was not always easy, but with the rise of the internet and the trend of online Rakhi shopping, sending Rakhi and gifts is a simple and hassle free affair now.