Rakhi Traditions Across Different Indian States

Rakshabandhan is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India that honors the brother-sister bond. But did you know that Rakhi celebrations vary across different Indian states? Each state has its own unique way of observing Rakhi rituals and customs.

As we prepare to celebrate Rakshabandhan 2024, let us look at the diverse and colorful Rakhi traditions across India:

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Rakshabandhan celebrations stretch for 5 days. It starts from Sravan Purnima, where sisters tie of Sravani or coconut Rakhis on their brother's wrist while chanting prayers.

On Rakhi, they exchange sweets and perform aarti. Sisters also make food offerings to the Moon God for their brother's well-being after tying Rakhi.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, Rakshabandhan coincides with the historical celebration of Kajari Purnima or Kajri Navami. Sisters tie colorful bands called Rakhadi on their brothers' wrists and pray for their lifelong prosperity.

The brothers, in turn, gift their sisters’ jewelry, clothes or sweets. Traditional foods like Undhiyu, Chana Dal Dhoklas are made on Rakhi in Gujarati homes.

West Bengal

Rakhi holds great significance in West Bengal where it is known as Jhulan Purnima. Sisters tie yellow and green Rakhis on their brother’s wrist. In return, brothers gift clothes and sweets to their sisters.

Sisters also host a feast for their brothers called Rakhi Bhature. The culture of Rakhi fairs is quite popular in Kolkata too.

Odisha

Odisha celebrates one of the most elaborate Rakshabandhan rituals named Rakhi Purnima. Sisters wrap colorful sacred threads around their brothers wrist while whispering prayers for their long life.

The ritual of fasting by unmarried girls called Nuakhai is observed here. Sisters also send Singaras, Rasagullas and other sweets for their brothers.

Haryana

In Haryana, Rakshabandhan celebrations go on for a month! Haryanvi sisters tie knotted threads on brothers from the Purnima day till next Amavasya praying for their wellbeing.

Brothers gift embroidered kurtas and sweets to their sisters. Traditional foods like Churma, Halwa poori are relished on Rakhi in Haryana.

Bihar

Rakhi has historic significance in the Mithila region of Bihar. As part of Rakhi Purnima festivities, sisters tie sacred amulets or talismans called Rakhis on their brother’s right wrist.

Brothers, in return, give gifts and promise lifelong security to their sisters. The ritual of breaking fast together after sunset is also observed here.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh observes Rakhi Pournami with much zeal and splendor. Sisters take a holy bath, pray, deck up in traditional silk sarees and tie Rakhis to their brothers.

The brothers gift their sisters clothes, accessories, cash, or silver/gold coins. Traditional Andhra-style cuisine is prepared for feasting after the Rakhi rituals.

Kerala

Rakshabandhan coincides with the harvest festival Onam in Kerala, so celebrations are extended for 4 days. Sisters lovingly prepare the Onam Sadya feast and gift new clothes called Onakkodi for their brothers.

Brothers present their sisters with gold or jewelry on this day. Rakhi here is called Pazhamneeru and is made using raw rice dough.

Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, the Rakhi festival is known as Raksha Bandhan. Sisters apply tilak on their brother’s forehead after tying the Rakhi.

Brothers, in turn, promise to protect their sisters always. Tradtional food items like Puran Poli, Shrikhand, Mathri are made for celebrating Rakhi.

Uttar Pradesh

Rakhi holds much significance in UP where brothers and sisters follow elaborate rituals. While sisters tie a sacred thread on their brothers’ wrist, brothers shower them with gifts.

Traditional dishes like Puri Chhole, Kheer, Gujiya form a part of Rakshabandhan celebrations in UP.

Assam

In Assam, Rakhi is celebrated as Bhai Phonta. Sisters fast until they tie the sacred Rakhi thread on their brothers' wrist. They also present five types of fruits as offerings to the Gods for their brother's wellbeing.

Brothers gift traditional Assamese garments like Gamocha, Jaapi etc. to their sisters. Sisters prepare special dishes like coconut laddoos and pray for their brother's happiness.

Sikkim

Sikkim celebrates Bhai-dooj with full fervor. Sisters apply tika on their brother's forehead and offer flowers, incense sticks, sweets as prayer offerings.

Brothers pamper their sisters by gifting them money, clothes and jewelry. Traditional cuisine like momos, thukpa is prepared to feast after the Rakhi rituals.

Rakhi for Hindu-Muslim harmony

A unique tradition is followed in some parts of India where Muslim sisters also tie Rakhi on their Hindu brothers' wrist. This helping strengthen communal harmony and brotherhood between the communities.

Similarly, Hindu brothers gift their Muslim sisters on this occasion and promise to protect them. Such special gestures spread the message of love and harmony.

Rakhi may be a single festival, but the celebrations vary as per unique cultures and traditions of each Indian state. This diversity is what makes Rakshabandhan celebrations in India so vibrant and meaningful.

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