HAPPY RAKSHABANDHAN

Since I would not be in office tomorrow ( its a holiday ) , I thought I should post this today. I badly wanted to visit my brother in Pune for Rakshabandan but going by the bad weather , I am sure I will be stuckup on the express highway because of the rains!


Some information about Raksha Bandhan

Rakhi - The bond of love

Raksha Bandhan is one festival that primarily belongs to the North and Western regions of India but celebrated throughout the country with the same zeal. Regional celebrations may be different but Raksha Bandhan has become an integral part of those customs.

As per the traditions, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brother(s) and wishes for their well being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sisters' side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift.

The festival falls on the Shravan Purnima (full moon day of shravan month) which comes generally in the month of August. The rakhis and the sweets are bought and prepared generally before the Purnima.

As per the tradition ,the family members get ready for the rituals early. They take a bath to purify mind and body before starting any preparations. The sisters prepare the thali for the pooja. It contains the rakhi threads, kumkum powder, rice grains, diya (an earthen or a metal lamp used for worshiping), agarbattis (incense sticks) and sweets.

The Sisters tie the thread of love to their brothers amongst chanting of mantras, puts roli and rice on his forehead and prays for his well being. She bestows him with gifts and blessings. The brother also wishes her a good life and pledges to take care of her. He gives her a return gift. The gift is the physical acceptance of her love, reminder of their togetherness and a symbol of his pledge.