Regional celebration of Raksha Bandhan throughout India

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on August 3rd of this year (2020) and is traditionally the place where sisters tie a sacred thread or knot on their brother’s wrists.

As you probably already know, this is a symbol of a sister who asks for and seeks protection at the same time. And when the brother takes the rakhi, he takes an oath to protect his sister from evil.

This grand festival, celebrated across India regardless of caste or religion, is a festival of joy and amusement. It’s a celebration of thoughtful gifts exchanged between siblings, as well as delicious desserts.

How different regions in India celebrate Raksha Bandhan

The importance of Raksha Bandhan can be seen in the fact that it has further deepened the bond between sister and brother – a defining character of Indian culture. And preparation for this festival begins days before the ceremony, and different parts of India have their different traditions and rituals.

Parts of India are so different in how they celebrate Raksha Bandhan that they even have different names for the festival.

Regional celebration of Raksha Bandhan across India 6

K Guru Purnima – Central Region of India

The Raksha Bandhan Festival is very important to the ranchers as it coincides with the start of the grain and wheat planting season.

In this region, the convention applies that only women who are mothers are allowed to perform the rituals of the festival. Specifically, they take a cup made of leaves, collect soil in it, and then place it in a dark room in their home.

This leaf cup of earth is worshiped for seven days and at the end of seven days it is immersed in a waterway or lake. People then pray to the goddess Bhagwati for a great harvest and the prosperity of their families.

Regional celebration of Raksha Bandhan across India 7

Shravan Purnima – Northeastern part of India

In the northeastern parts of India, this celebration is a very special occasion. In this district, the celebration is started with full enthusiasm by everyone.

Suppose Tripura and other similar states especially love this celebration as they have a huge Hindu population. But of course this festival is not only for Hindus, but for all religious and irreligious to tie the rakhi on the wrist of the brothers.

In the northeast, children take part in the festival. They tie the sacred cord on their friend’s wrist to symbolize their importance in their life.

Regional celebration of Raksha Bandhan across India 8

Avani Avittam – Southern part of India

In southern India, the Raksha Bandhan is known as Avani Avittam. This is the day when the Brahmins change Janeu. This is the heavenly cord that they wear after taking a sacred bath.

Changing the heavenly string represents Prayashchit: this is a repentance for any past wrongdoing. It is also a mahasankalp, a promise to continue with an existence of dignity, kindness and respect.

This is the day the great Yajur Veda reading by scholars begins.

Regional celebration of Raksha Bandhan across India 9

Jhulan Purnima – eastern part of India

Eastern India celebrates the Raksha Bandhan as Jhulan Purnima: a festival that commemorates the romance between Radha and Krishna.

With the greatest enthusiasm and joy, the Jhulan Purnima Festival is a week-long celebration of dancing, singing and decorated swings. This is a significant celebration, especially for the Vaishnavas.

Regional celebration of Raksha Bandhan across India 10

Nariyal Purnima – West Coast Areas of India

Nariyal Purnima is a significant celebration for people who live in coastal areas. Especially the fishing communities who depend on the sea for their livelihood.

This festival is at the time when the monsoons begin to recede and the oceans finally calm down. A new fishing season begins, and at the beginning of the season the fishermen offer the coconuts of the ocean in thanks to the Hindu rain god Lord Varun.

The various regional festivals of Raksha Bandhan in India

Each of these is the celebration of different regions of India, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Even in some of the regions mentioned above, different states have slightly different variations of the Raksha Bandhan.

At most of these celebrations, sisters bind rakhi. Although for some tradition has exceeded the brother-sister bond. Rakhi are now being bought for friends, other family members, as well as relatives and even neighbors.

Since Raksha Bandhan is full of folklore and legends, it is no wonder that there are many different forms across India. Some are still rooted in the religious traditions of the Brahmins, in reading the Vedas (Indian scriptures) and in making offerings to the gods.

Like many festivals that started out as religious rituals and festivals, Raksha Bandhan has carried on smoothly into the secular world. It is still adapted to various secular states and societies but has nonetheless retained its fundamental meaning and purpose. This has in part helped make it a permanent festival in modern secular Indian culture.

Are you looking for the perfect rakhi to give to your brother or other loved one?

If you are looking for a sleek but simple, beautiful yet affordable rakhi, Kuberbox has a range of rakhi in silver and gold to suit all tastes.

We offer religious and traditional as well as whimsical and modern rakhi. And after the ceremony, these stylish pieces can be worn as pendants or brooches.

If you want to tie rakhi on the wrist of a loved one in your area, Kuberbox has the best selection at the best prices. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, our gold and silver are certified as authentic by the relevant government agencies in India, and we ship both internationally and domestically.

If you can’t celebrate this festival with loved ones in person, you can send a beautifully wrapped rakhi as a gift. You can also video call your loved ones so you can see how attached they are. And since the pandemic is what it is, it may be the safest way to still celebrate this important and popular festival.

If you have any questions about our rakhi range, delivery dates or the exact shipping location, please contact our team today.