Raksha Bandhan is more than just a festival; it's a feeling that's part of India's culture. It's celebrated with great love and respect, and it goes beyond location, language, and customs. But did you know that how Rakhi is celebrated is different in each state?
From tying threads with rituals in the north to traditional prayers in the west, Rakhi in India is as varied as the country itself. Let's explore how different Indian states celebrate this special bond between siblings in their own unique ways.
1. Uttar Pradesh & Delhi – The Classic Rakhi Spirit
In states like Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, Rakhi is celebrated in the way most people know. Sisters perform aarti, put tilak on their brother’s forehead, tie Rakhi, and give sweets. Brothers, in return, promise to always protect their sisters and usually give money, clothes, or thoughtful gifts.
The markets get busy days before with colourful Rakhis, sweets like kaju katli, and gift baskets. Modern families also celebrate with gifts like perfumes and grooming kits, mixing traditional love with modern choices.
2. Rajasthan – The Royal Touch of Lumba Rakhi
In Rajasthan, the celebration includes more than just brothers. Here, sisters also tie a Lumba Rakhi to their bhabhi (sister-in-law), which is a beautifully decorated Rakhi that looks like a bangle.
This custom recognizes the sister-in-law and makes sure she's included in the celebration. Gift sets like His & Her perfume sets are very popular for Rakhi gifts in Rajasthan.
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3. Gujarat – Raksha Bandhan and Pavitropana
In Gujarat, people celebrate Raksha Bandhan together with Pavitropana, a festival for worshipping Lord Shiva with holy threads called pavitras. The usual Rakhi traditions continue with sisters visiting their brothers and tying threads, but the day also has a spiritual feeling.
People often give each other boxes of dry fruits and gifts with long-lasting scents, which represent good health and wealth.
4. West Bengal – Rakhi with Rabindra Flair
In West Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize, made Rakhi or Rakhi Bandhan popular as a way to encourage togetherness. Now, people celebrate it with family, friends, and neighbours.
Women often tie Rakhis to soldiers, police officers, or even people who work to help the community as a sign of respect. Gifts are more about emotions, like personalized perfume sets or handmade cards showing love between siblings.
5. Punjab – Rakhi and Festive Energy
In Punjabi families, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with a lot of energy. The day begins with homemade halwa puri, fun, and traditions. Gifts can be anything from brand-name perfumes to gadgets, and cousins and other relatives often join in the celebration.
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6. Maharashtra – Narali Purnima and Rakhi Together
In Maharashtra, Rakhi happens at the same time as Narali Purnima, a festival that fishermen celebrate. They give coconuts to the sea, praying for safety and good fortune.
The Rakhi traditions in Maharashtra are simple but meaningful. Sisters tie Rakhis and give modaks or purans. Gifts often include traditional clothes, watches, and more and more often, personal care sets.
7. South India – Avani Avittam or Upakarma
In Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Avani Avittam, a special day for Brahmins. Men change their janeyu (sacred thread) and say prayers.
Although tying Rakhis isn't as common, the idea of protection is still important in prayers and traditions. In cities, Rakhi celebrations are becoming more popular, with people giving each other perfumes, sarees, and sweets.
8. Bihar & Jharkhand – Strengthening Family Bonds
In Bihar, sisters tie Rakhis to their brothers, close friends, neighbors, and cousins, showing love and protection. Litti chokha is eaten at celebrations, and more people are giving perfumes and grooming kits to brothers.
The feeling here is welcoming, and Rakhi is a time to make good relationships even stronger.
9. Himachal Pradesh – Simplicity with Sincerity
Families in Himachal Pradesh celebrate Raksha Bandhan with great care and beautiful scenery. Sisters visit their brothers with kulfi, local sweets, and Rakhis made of wool or beads. Nature is important, and people like to give eco-friendly gifts.
Young people are starting to give fragrance-based gifts, especially to cousins and younger siblings.
10. Assam & Northeast – Growing with Modern Traditions
Rakhi in the Northeast is fairly new but is becoming more popular. Sisters and brothers give each other thoughtful gifts, notes, and now perfumes, skincare sets, or books.
The celebrations feel young and fresh, and many people use digital Rakhis if they don't live near family.
The Beauty of Diversity
What connects all these states is the main feeling behind Rakhi: the promise to protect, love, and stay connected forever. It doesn't matter if you're celebrating in Jaipur or Jamshedpur, in Madurai or Mumbai, the heart of Raksha Bandhan stays the same in a comforting way.
Final Thoughts
Looking at how Rakhi is celebrated in different states shows us how culturally rich our country is. Every custom, every Rakhi, every gift that is shared tells a story about love.
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