THE DIVERSE CELEBRATIONS OF RAKSHA BANDHAN ACROSS INDIA

The festival of Raksha Bandhan, celebrated during the Shravana month of the Hindu calendar (equivalent to August in the Gregorian calendar), is a beautiful testament to the love and duty shared between siblings. While the essence of Raksha Bandhan remains the same, its celebration varies across different regions of India. Here’s a look at how different parts of the country observe this special festival:

Raksha Bandhan in North India

In the northern states like Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Families come together, and sisters tie rakhi on their brothers' wrists, praying for their well-being and prosperity. Brothers, in return, offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters in every circumstance. The festive atmosphere is marked by joyous gatherings, delicious food, and the exchange of heartfelt gifts.

Raksha Bandhan in East India

In West Bengal and Odisha, Raksha Bandhan coincides with Jhulan Purnima, a festival dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. People worship Krishna and Radha, and sisters tie rakhis on their brothers' wrists, wishing them good health. The celebration is characterized by a cheerful mood, with people from various walks of life, including political leaders, office-goers, friends, and families, actively participating.

Shanti Niketan, the institute founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, celebrates "Rakhi Utsava" with great fervor, promoting the message of universal brotherhood.

Raksha Bandhan in South India

In Maharashtra and other coastal areas, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Naarali Poornima, where people worship the sea. The fishing community offers coconuts to the sea and prepares coconut-based sweets and dishes. The later part of the celebrations involves family rituals and prayers.

In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the festival is known as Avani Avittam, primarily for the male members of the family. Brahmins take a dip in the water, seek atonement for past sins, and change their sacred thread (janau). This ritual is accompanied by the reading of the Yajur Veda, which continues for the next six months.

Raksha Bandhan in West India

In Gujarat, the festival coincides with Pavitropana, where women worship Lord Shiva by offering water and other offerings on the Shivlinga. They visit temples to seek forgiveness for their past sins, blending the celebration of Raksha Bandhan with religious rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Raksha Bandhan in Central India

In central India, the festival is celebrated as Kajari Purnima, primarily by farmers and mothers. Farmers worship their land, while mothers perform special poojas with their sons. The celebrations begin a week in advance, with women planting barley seeds in soil collected from the fields. After seven days, the barley is submerged in a well or river, accompanied by prayers for the longevity of their sons.

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Devotion

Celebrate the spirit of Raksha Bandhan by adorning yourself in a Hanuman T-shirt, Ganesh T-shirt, Krishna T-shirt, Ganpati T-shirt, Anjaneya T-shirt, Krsna T-shirt, Lord Krishna T-shirt, or any Hindu T-shirt. To buy a variety of hindu t shirts like shivji t shirt, hanuman t shirt, ganesh t shirt, Krishna t shirt, ram t shirt, bajrang bali t shirt etc. click here! These symbols of faith and devotion add a special touch to the festival, honoring the timeless bond between siblings.

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that beautifully captures the essence of sibling love and protection, celebrated with unique regional customs and traditions across India.

[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Anime Devta, they are just for entertainment purposes]

~Mimansa Sharma