Raksha Bandhan
is one of the most widely celebrated traditions in and around India. Rakhi is a
sacred thread that is tied on a brother’s wrist by his sister, who prays for
his health and wellbeing. The brother then blesses the sister and promises to
protect her from adversities. Celebrating Raksha Bandhan annually signifies the
renewal of prayers and promises and strengthens the bond between brothers and
sisters.
If siblings are
staying in different countries, they take the services of those who make rakhi
and rakhi gifts delivery in UK, USA
or other countries or other states within the same country as most people do
not want to miss out on the occasion. Exchange of gifts is an integral part of
the celebrations and sisters usually give rakhi
with dryfruits or chocolates and sweets to brothers
Creative artists
and artisans have been making rakhi for centuries and have developed various
different types of rakhi. Understanding the various kinds of Rakhi that are
available will help you choose the perfect rakhi for your brother as each form
is unique and has something special to offer.
Broadly categorising,
rakhis fall under one of the following groups:
Divine Rakhi
India is a
country with many Gods and Goddesses. Spirituality and religion have
intermingled and as a result, are reflected in the daily life of Indians.
Raksha Bandhan is no exception and many rakhis carry the sacred symbols of Om,
Swastika or the Rudraksha and even carved out figures of gods like Shree
Ganesh. Rudraksha is said to repel negative energy and protect the wearer.
Similarly, the Swastika is a holy symbol often found in houses around the
country. Shree Ganesh is one of the most adored gods in India and they all find
their place in the holy thread of rakhi.
Traditional
rakhis, as the name suggests are some of the oldest designs that are still
popular in the modern day. Rakhis made with sandalwood, beads, mauli (which is a
sacred thread in red and yellow colours used for religious purposes) are all
forms of the traditional rakhi. Resham rakhi, Zardosi rakhi (with detailed
thread work) and Kundan rakhi are also very popular varieties of Traditional
rakhi. Lumba rakhis are also available for sister-in-laws and signify the
loving bond between sisters and sister-in-laws.
Precious Rakhi
Precious rakhis
are rakhis which carry pearls, gold and silver threads and sometimes even
diamonds and other precious stones. Diamond bracelet rakhi is designed with tiny diamonds (or American diamonds
in some cases) in the form of a bracelet which can be worn by the brother at
any occasion even beyond the day of Raksha Bandhan.
Rakhi for Kids
Traditionally
children used to exchange rakhis like grownups but in the modern day, rakhi
makers have innovated rakhis and incorporated popular children’s symbols in
them to add to the charm of Raksha Bandhan. Cartoon characters are often
designed into rakhis for kids.
Trendy Rakhi
For the fashion
conscious population trendy rakhis have been designed. Rakhis with fancy thread
and bead work, bracelet rakhi and
elegant designer rakhis are available in stores for those who want to buy
rakhis with sleek and trendy designs.
Rakhi is a
festival of love and laughter and exchanging rakhi with dryfruits and other gifts is a tradition which is only
growing more popular all over the world with globalisation and cultural
exchange.
