Bhubaneswar: Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated with fervour across India. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi or an amulet around their brothers’ wrists, as a symbol of a brother’s responsibility to care for and protect them.
It is celebrated on the full moon day of ‘Shravana’ month in Hindu calendar, which mostly falls in August every year.
The ritual of Rakhi tying has become so important that come what may, brothers and sisters try to visit each other’s place, even cousins and distant family members on this particular day in order to bring back the oneness of the family. To many, the festival transcends biological family, brings together men and women across religions, diverse ethnic groups and ritually emphasizes harmony and love.
Everyone starts preparing for this festival much in advance. About a month before the commencement of Raksha Bandhan, you can see fancy and colourful rakhis in every market. Girls start shopping for rakhi and rakhi gifts quite early.
They shop for new clothes and beautiful rakhi gifts especially the one that has to be sent to their brothers staying far. Almost every shop, be it sweet shops, garment shops, gift shops, or any other shop, all are flooded with attractive rakhi gifts to attract people.
On the day of the festival, brothers and sisters try to get together and celebrate the bond between them with the tying of rakhi.
