A Rainbow of Customs: Rakhi Across India’s States

Have you ever pondered how one event can take on so many different faces as it travels across a country, incorporating new traditions, colors, and customs along the way? The Indian holiday of Raksha Bandhan, which honors the bond between brothers and sisters, is a prime example. This isn’t a “tie a thread and call it a day” kind of event; rather, it’s an emotional roller coaster rooted in centuries-old rituals and customs. Brother also gifts their beautiful sisters Raksha Bandhan gifts after the Rakhi tying celebration. And what do you know? The manner of its celebration differs widely from one Indian state to another. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a fascinating tour of the many forms Raksha Bandhan takes in different parts of India.  

Punjab

The northern region of the Land of Five Rivers gives Raksha Bandhan a Punjabi tadka, changing its name to the more familiar ‘Rakhri.’ The entire event is similar to the standard Indian custom but with an extra dose of Punjabi jubilance. Bhangra and Gidda dances are frequently performed at celebrations, adding energy and vitality to the environment.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, the holiday is often called Pavitropana because of its spiritual overtones. Along with the tying of rakhis, many devotees also visit temples to make water offerings to Lord Shiva. Gujarati foods like dhokla and khakhra were enjoyed as part of the celebration.

West Bengal

The state of West Bengal puts on a great Raksha Bandhan celebration. Swings are hung in courtyards and temples during the celebration of Jhulan Purnima. In India, brothers and sisters celebrate their love for one another by tying rakhis on the same day that they adore Krishna and Radha.

Maharashtra

‘Narali Purnima,’ a holiday dedicated to the ocean, occurs on the same day as Raksha Bandhan in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The rakhi ceremony follows a tradition in which fishermen throw coconuts into the water as a prayer for a safe voyage. The bond between siblings is universal, yet each culture adds its own special flavor.

Southern India 

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in a distinct way in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. ‘Avani Avittam,’ a day of significance for Tamil Nadu’s Brahmin community, falls on the same day. There is a changing of the sacred thread involved, but the focus is not on the sibling relationship. ‘Atla Tadde’ is a festival celebrated by women in Andhra Pradesh that shares certain similarities with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, in that during it wives abstain from food to pray for the health of their husbands.

Jammu and Kashmir

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with simplicity and warmth in the tranquil valleys of northern India. Sisters tie the rakhi, and brothers provide presents. What really shines out, though, is the depth of feeling; this isn’t so much about showmanship as it is about the love shared among siblings.

Assam

In Assam, Raksha Bandhan has grown to represent more than just the bond between siblings. Jonbeel Mela is a local celebration where people of all ages and social circles tie rakhis around one another as a symbol of brotherhood and goodwill.

Rajasthan

The custom of Raksha Bandhan may be closest to the Western conception in Rajasthan. In the rakhi tying ceremony sister asks for and sends express rakhi delivery rakhi gifts for the brother. Dal Baati and Ghevar, two Rajasthani staples, are among the dishes served at the event.

Raksha Bandhan is more than a single celebration; it’s a patchwork of customs, each one infused with the rich hues of its native culture. A pledge of love, protection, and eternal relationship is still valid anywhere.