The Thread of Love: Happy Rakhi

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) celebrates the love between brothers and sisters. The main custom of Rakhi is a sister tying a threaded bracelet the giving of a bracelet of woven threads called a rakhi on her brother. The "rakhi" represents the sister's promise to pray for her brother and the brother's vow to protect his sister. The sister provides sweets to her brother and the brother gives his sister money.

How can you celebrate Rakhi in a very easy, simple, meaningful way?

• Invite family over. We love an excuse to wear Indian clothes...so we always make it Indian themed.
• Buy the rakhi or make sure someone is bringing the rakhi. You can buy it below or at your local Indian store. We love making our own rake...it is a fun project and tradition for the kids (instructions below)
• Get Indian take out. Some of our favorite places for takeout are Pakhwan, Shalimar and Naan 'n Curry.
• Get small gifts or money envelopes if you are a brother or if you have sons.
• Get burfees, sweets or even candy to feed your brother.
• Keep it simple and fun!

What is the history of Raksha Bandhan?

There are many stories and tales about the Rakhi in Hindu and Indian history. It became popular in the 1500s after a widowed queen name Rani Karnavati sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor asking for help in defending her city. After this event, sisters would offer a Rakhi to their brothers as a reminder that they should protect their sisters from foreign invaders. 

Fun Facts:

• The word Raksha means protection. The brother promises to protect his sister.
• The word Bandhan means "to tie" or "bond". The sister ties the rakhi around her brother's wrist.
• It is thought that the protection offered by the rakhi lasts for one year. So the festival and ceremony must be repeated each year.