Overseas Rakhi Celebration and Gifts

The relationship between a sister and brother is so endearing that it is impossible for them to remain separate. A brother or a sister is a precious gift for each other and they are the best of buddies. They also take on the responsibility of taking care of each other. Brothers and sisters know one another more familiarly than anyone else and they are so deeply part of their identities that the relationship cannot be erased even by their absence. Rakshabandhan, an Indian traditional festival celebrates this unique bond of love.

It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravana of the Hindu calendar which is usually in august. People all over India celebrate the festival and both men and women participate in the festivities with the same vigor and enthusiasm. The festival plays an important role in promoting social harmony and mutual understanding and co-operation. Traditionally the festival is meant to enhance the bond of love, affection and trust between brothers and sisters. Rakshabandhan is mainly a celebration for real brothers and sister, but over the years it has acquired a broader outlook. The exclusiveness has now extended to other people who are not even biologically related. Rakhis are tied to anybody whom one considers as brothers and they may be friends, relatives, neighbors and acquaintance. The rakhi is considered a powerful symbol as it is the custom that when a woman ties the sacred thread around the wrist of any men, he becomes honor bound to treat her as a real sister and protect her at any cost.

Even though Rakshabandhan is originally a Hindu festival, people from all religions celebrate the festival whether they are Sikhs, Muslims or Jains. The occasion is largely secular now and it is celebrated all over the country of India and elsewhere. Indians settled abroad also celebrate the festival with the same rituals and traditions. The rise of the internet and online Rakhi shopping has proved to be a boon for the Indian Diaspora. People can order gifts online and send rakhi to USA or any other country in the world with considerable ease. A wide variety of traditional items such as ethnic thalis and sweets used for the occasion are also available online and people can send them along with their rakhi to USA. The overseas celebration of this traditional Indian festival is almost the same as in the country and residents abroad don’t feel left out on this occasion anymore.