Raksha Bandhan is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and other countries around the world, to honor the bond between sisters and brothers. On this auspicious occasion, a sister will tie a rakhi (amulet, talisman, or charm) on her brother’s wrist. Rakhi is believed to have a significant spiritual impact on the brothers bringing good luck, success, and happiness.
To express their love and appreciation for their sisters’ efforts, brothers will present return rakhi gifts. Like many other occasions to present gifts to our near and dear ones, there are many gifting options from the rakhis to the return gifts. Online gift stores are the most convenient platforms for brothers and sisters to complete Raksha Bandhan celebrations without breaking the bank or hopping from pillar to post. There are varieties of rakhi online for brothers, kids, Bhaiya, and Bhabhi.
Amazing Facts About Raksha Bandhan
When it comes to the Raksha Bandhan celebrations, the first thoughts that come to every brother and sister’s mind are rakhis, gifts, and traditional sweets gestures. But, there are some quite interesting facts about this auspicious occasion only a few critics know! It, however, does not change the fact that Raksha Bandhan is a festival for brothers and sisters to honor their bond by swearing to be always there for each other. Read on as we share interesting facts about Raksha Bandhan.
Rakhi Was Tied To Lord Indra By Indrani
According to history, the Raksha Bandhan celebrations were not always attached to sisters and their brothers. It is said that Shachi Devi, the wife of Lord Indra tied a rakhi on her husband’s wrist when he was leaving to fight demons. This turns the tables from just thinking that rakhi can only be tied by a sister on her brother’s wrist to wishing him the best in all his endeavors.
Raksha Bandhan is not Only Celebrated in India
Raksha Bandhan celebrations are also conducted in other countries like Sri Lanka, UAE, Mauritius, and Nepal. Many believe that the festival is only for Indians and Hindus, but that’s not so! The Raksha Bandhan festivals are also celebrated by non-Indians and non-Hindus from other parts of the world. So, if one has a friend that they feel is more like a brother and sister, they can present gifts to their brother and sister from another mother.
The Bond Between Queen Rani and King Humayun
When queen Rani Karnavati was under attack from Bahadur Shah, the then King of Gujarat, she sent a rakhi to Humayun, and he could not make it in time to save her – but he gave a promise to seek revenge on Shah for what he had done. As legend has it that Humayun, the Mughal emperor fought and defeated Bahadur Shah to fulfill his rakhi promise from Rani Karnavati.
Yamuna and Yama
According to history, Yamuna tied a rakhi to Yama, the Lord of Death. The Lord of Death was so enthralled with the event, that he granted her immortality as a return gift! This gesture moved him to the extent he declared that any brother who gets the rakhi tied on his wrist by his sister and vowed to be there for her would become immortal.
God of Rain and God of Sea Worship
Raksha Bandhan is not only constrained to brothers and sisters renewing their sibling relationship with the tying of rakhis and offering gifts and sweets. The occasion is also synonymous with worshipping the God of rain (Indra) and the God of the sea (Varuna). Also, the Raksha Bandhan celebrations mark the change from monsoon to autumn festive celebrations.
The Wife of Indra Tied Rakhi on his Wrist
Since the Raksha Bandhan festival is about sisters tying rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, it has become a custom to complete the occasion this way. Not too quick! According to the Hindu tradition, when Indra was about to go to protect the earth, his wife feared for his safety and tied a rakhi on his wrist. He triumphed against his adversaries, and the rakhi tied by his wife became known as Raksha Sutra.
Rajasthan Tying of Rakhi to Sister-in-law (Bhabhi)
The Rajasthani and Marwari also tie rakhis on their sisters-in-law’s wrists (known as Lumba Rakhi). Since the sister-in-law is the one person who takes care of their brother, tying rakhi on Bhabhi’s wrist will help keep them all safe. So, if your brother is currently away in Dubai this Raksha Bandhan, you can always keep him safe by tying rakhi on your Bhabhi’s wrist. Or both your brother and sister-in-law are staying abroad? With online gift stores, you can send rakhis to the second-best couple in the world (your mom and dad will always take the first position).
The story of Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali
As a facade to shield her identity, in search of her husband Vishnu, Goddess Laksmi dressed as a homeless woman so that she could get closer to King Bali. The plan went well, and the guards let her in without any hesitation. The Goddess Lakshmi was pleased with the warm welcome that when it was time for the Shravana Purnima, she revealed her identity. She tied a thread on King Bali’s wrist and wished him prosperity and protection. In return, King Bali asked Goddess Laksmi what she desired, and she elected Vishnu, who was disguised as a gatekeeper protecting Lord Bali. Lord Bali requested Vishnu to return home with his wife.
The story of Draupadi and Lord Krishna
Legend has it that when Lord Krishna had an injury on his hand, Draupadi, a woman who was at the site – saw what had happened. She then tore a piece of cloth from her saree to tie his hand and used it as a bandage to stop the bleeding. Lord Krishna was moved by this gesture. In return, he promised to restore her dignity and protect her. And he kept his promise to protect her!
Rabindra Nath Tagore
More than 100 years ago, Rabindra Nath Tagore, a multi-talented poet from Bengal, reintroduced the age-old tradition of bringing the Hindus and Moslems together to fight the British. The Hindus and Muslims came together and tied rakhis as a symbol of mutual agreement against British rule. When the British saw that their plan to divide and conquer had failed, they finally gave up their position, marking India’s independence from colonial rule.
Rakhi Gifts for Sisters and Brothers
According to tradition, sisters would present a rakhi thali (with rakhi, diya, roli, chawal, and traditional sweets) to their brothers, brothers in return would give their sisters “Shagun” (money in an envelope). But, now sisters also pair the rakhi thali with various gifts and brothers will present return rakhi gifts. To spruce up the celebrations, there are really cool modern gifts from which to choose from personalized jewelry to digital gifts.
There you have the amazing facts about Raksha Bandhan! So, make the best impressions on your beloved Bhaiya and Bhabhi with wishful rakhi gifts. If your brother and sister-in-law are staying in Dubai, you can send rakhi to Dubai with online gift stores. They can complete the festival by tying the rakhis on each other’s wrists and making the rakhi memorable. So, go ahead and pick the best designer rakhis and sweet treats for your beloved couple!
Read More: Rakhi Gifts for Married Sister
