Women shop for Raksha Bandhan. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
MONDAY, AUGUST 3: Across India and in Hindu communities worldwide, the sacred bonds between brothers and sisters are honored on Raksha Bandhan. Over many centuries, the rakhi (from Sanskrit, “the tie or knot of affection”) has evolved from simple, handspun threads into bangles adorned in jewels, crystals, cartoon characters and even political figures.
Two sisters celebrate the holiday with their brother in a photo this family submitted to the Wikimedia Commons 2019 campaign, called “Wiki Loves Love.” Photo credit: Aasthap-dsc.
On a broader scale, Raksha Bandhan is a time for harmonious existence and a bond between leaders—teachers, political figures, civil authorities—and those they serve.
AND, IN COVID?
While Raksha Bandhan is one of the sweetest and most colorful holidays across India and in Indian communities around the world—the pandemic is wreaking havoc on cherished traditions.
The Indian sweets industry just announced that sales will be only half what they were in 2019!
Most years, this is a day when many women use mass transit to visit their families—so much so that some municipalities wave fares on public modes of transportation for the holiday. However, this year, that kind of widespread travel is not encouraged.
Indian online retailers are working overtime, this year, to offer no-touch solutions to honoring loved ones. Everything from simple e-greeting-cards to touchless delivery of holiday-appropriate gifts (including wrist-bands, jewelry and sweets) is available with a few taps of smartphones in India, this year.
RAKSHA BANDHAN: COLORS AND RITUALS
Weeks before the culmination of Raksha Bandhan, Indian usually shops offer a bright palette of threads for women making their own rakhi; shops also are stocked with colorful premade rakhi. Men also shop market stands, searching for a token of love for their sisterly Raksha Bandhan companion.
In a normal year, on the morning of the festival, brothers and sisters greet one another in, if possible, the presence of other family members. The sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist, reciting prayers for his well-being and applying a colorful tilak mark to his forehead. The brother responds with thanks and a renewal of his sibling commitment, and the two indulge in sweet foods. The brother presents the sister with a gift, and everyone present rejoices in the gladness of family—often with a festive meal.
Some of the most popular Indian treats enjoyed on Raksha Bandhan may be surprisingly sweet to Westerners unaccustomed to Indian cuisine. A prime example is gulab jamun. Think of a donut hole soaked in syrup! India-based NDTV’s Food channel already has published tips for home-made gulab Jamun. Want other culinary options? NDTV’s Food channel also published these 11 suggestions for other delightful holiday dishes. The non-alcoholic Mango Basil Colada sounds especially refreshing!
Interested in making your own rakhi? Find 15 kid- and adult-friendly ideas at the blog Artsy Craftsy Mom, which features simple to complex DIY rakhi instructions.
A National Holiday
Raksha Bandhan is so popular that nearly every year government officials across India announce some kind of new service or public improvement related to the holiday.
Each year, there also are efforts to encourage fitness on the holiday. One example, from The Times of India, suggests healthier choices for family banquets—and even suggests that a rakhi could be a fitness band.
Many families and organizations enjoy trying to take their festivities to extremes—competing for slots in the record books. In 2019, India-based Prokerala magazine took a look at some of the records—and attempts at records.
Finally—and only in India—one of the country’s shelters for cows, sacred animals in Hinduism, has sparked headlines across the country for its new line of cow dung rakhis. No kidding! It’s one of a number of fundraisers to help support the shelter.
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