The Essence of Raksha Bandhan - Fashion Guide for the Perfect Gift for your Sister

By Archana PagadalaJuly 30, 2021

With each year passing by as we grow old, the occasion of Raksha Bandhan gets better as we age. The love and power that revolves around this festivity go far beyond just a hand-tie. It defines the bond between every brother-sister and is one of India’s favorite Hindu festivals.

Ever since the covid pandemic struck, all festivities have been celebrated virtually. With things getting better and proper sanitary measures, small gatherings with precaution have been possible. Raksha Bandhan being one of the most intimate indoor events, people have been looking forward to celebrating it with loved ones. Everyone dressed up in Indian ethnic, ready to have a ball and belt down some delicacies.

What is Raksha Bandhan?

As a child, we all remember looking forward to this festival of love. The festival involves every sister tying an amulet, also known as Rakhi, around her brother’s wrist. This auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond shared between a brother and sister, where a brother vouches to protect his sister under all circumstances.

Raksha Bandhan festival Source: Bajaj Allianz

Raksha Bandhan quite literally translates to the bond of protection, Raksha which means to protect & Bandhan meaning bond. It comes around every year during fall in August. This festivity is more than just a Hindu ritual. It is personal to a point where it brings out tears of joy. On this day, people dress up in ethnic Indian wear, tie the Rakhi to the brothers and indulge in delicacies & exchange gifts.

Source: Shivgyaancharcha

This festival dates to the backstory from the Hindu mythology Mahabharat (Indian Hindu epic). When the wife of Pandavas, Draupadi tears a cloth from the end of her saree (pallu) to prevent Lord Krishna’s wrist from bleeding. This story signified Draupadi’s concern towards Lord Krishna in a way that of a sister caring for her brother. Over the years, this beautiful festival of any brother-sister relationship has grown to break religious barriers. It isn’t just celebrated by blood siblings but by anyone who shares a sacred relationship like the relationship of a brother & sister.

How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?

Each part of India has a different way of celebrating the beautiful occasion of Rakshabandhan. But the most common form of celebrating it would be by having a small get-together. If the sister is married, then she would come down to her brother’s house to carry out the ceremony of Rakhi tying. All the girls or women of the house usually start their day by dressing up in traditional Indian clothing and preparing delicacies followed by a pooja. Then, they tie Rakhi to the brothers starting from the eldest one.

Source: Tied Ribbons

The Rakhi thali usually consists of the red powdered Kumkum, rice grains, lit up Diya, flowers, sweets, and the Rakhi thread/dhaga. The procedure starts with applying a tikka with the Kumkum on the brother’s forehead. Then, tying the Rakhi around his right wrist followed by an Aarti, it is a process of waving the Aarti plate in front of the brother. It is further taken ahead by putting the rice grains, commonly known as the Akshat, on his head. After this, the sister feeds her brother with his favorite sweets. In exchange, the caring brothers don’t just take an oath to protect their sisters but also gift them something special or give them money.

What to gift your sister for Raksha Bandhan?

Often so, we find ourselves falling into a great dilemma when we talk about gifting something special to our loved ones. For years, the practice of gifting money has been the easiest way to solve this dilemma. But, wouldn’t it be great to give your sister something special that she could keep for years to come. What’s better than an addition to the stylish wardrobes when it comes to sisters?

If you are confused as to what to gift your sister this Raksha Bandhan. Then, don’t you worry! We’ve got your back! We, women, love our jewelry, shoes, and clothing. It becomes all the more heartfelt when a brother puts in the effort to observe our fashion style and gifts us the right things. Fashion to women isn’t just clothing. It is a sense of personality that we confide in to boost our self-esteem. It is something that we thread our memories and occasions to relate to even after decades. The sense of fabric on our skin speaks to us of time, reminding us of the sacred moments shared.

Accessories:

In case you’re thinking accessories then we’ve got the best picks for you. Starting from jewelry, handbags and shawls. The possibilities are endless!