Social Significance of Rakhi Gifts and Traditions

Rakshabandhan is a traditional Indian festival that ritually celebrates the love and duty between brothers and their sisters. It is also known as called Rakhi Purnima, or simply Rakhi, in many parts of India. The festival is not exclusive to Hindus only but Jains and Sikhs too participate in the occasion. Though it is primarily observed in the subcontinent of India, people of Indian origin abroad celebrate it all over the world. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Shravana. Rakshabandhan is an ancient and time honored festival and it has many myths and historic legends linked to it. For example, the Rajput queens practiced the custom of sending rakhi threads to neighboring rulers as token of brotherhood.

Rakshabandhan is a Sanskrit term which literally translates as "the tie or knot of protection.” On this occasion sisters tie a sacred thread known as rakhi, on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her. The sister performs a Rakhi ceremony, and then prayers are offered for the well being of her brother.  In return, the brother makes a commitment and ritually pledges to protect and take care of her under all circumstances.

The festival is also a time for home cooked meals and family reunions. It is one of the several occasions in which family ties are affirmed in India. Rakshabandhan is also an occasion to celebrate sibling-like family ties between cousins or distant family members even between biologically unrelated people. The festival transcends biological boundaries, and brings together people across religions, diverse ethnic groups by ritually emphasizing love and harmony.

Days or weeks before the festival, women shop for Rakhis to tie around her brother's wrist or make their own ones. Rakhi in the form of a colorful woven thread is one of the most common items of the season. The brother presets his sister return gifts such as cards, clothes, money or anything else as a token of love.  Or he may feed her, with his own hands, one or more bites of sweets, dry fruits and other seasonal delicacies. Traditionally the brothers only present sister with return gifts, but nowadays sisters too present Rakshabandhan gifts for brothers.

Rakshabandhan is a much anticipated festival and an eagerly awaited occasion for sister- brother bonding, and so distance does not prove to be hindrance in celebrating it. In the instances of brothers and sisters staying far from each other or in different countries, the sister sends Rakhi gifts for Brother and wishes through courier or online services.