Rakhi in India
Rakhi is one of the very important festivals of India. It is celebrated all over the country but the ways of celebrations vary region to region. The name of this festival also changes as soon as one enters into a new region. For instance some of the names are the ‘Vish Taadak’ (destroyer of poison), the ‘Punya Pradaayak’ (bestower of boons), and the ‘Paap Naashak’ (destroyer of sins). Well this is why India is called an example of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
Northern India:
The Rakhi festival is popularly known as the ‘Rakhi’ or the ‘Raksha-Bandhan’. But it is known by one more name and that is the ‘Kajri-Poornima’. In this part of the country this day is propitious because it is an important day for the agriculturist as they start sowing the grain seeds in their farms on this day. Thus since a new begining is there so people worship ‘Goddess Bhagwati’ on this day.
Eastern India:
In the eastern part of the country the significance of Rakshabandhan is indicated by the cultural richness of famous institute the ‘Shanti-Niketan.’ The founder of this institute was the great Nobel Laureate Rabindro Nath Thhakur. He initiated the ‘Rakhi Utsava’ (Rakhi tying ceremony) there long back. But the custom is continued till date by the pupils of the ‘Shanti-Niketan’.
Southern India:
In some parts of the south India the Rakhi festival is celebrated by the name of ‘Avanee-Avittum’ whereas in some other parts it is known as ‘Opakramam’. This day has special significance for the brahmins as they tie the sacred string on to their patrons wrists and in turm the patrons offer them gifts in cash or kind. ‘Shravan Poornima’ is yet another name of Rakhi in this part of the country.
Western India:
In the western region of India Rakshabandhan popular by the name of ‘Naariyal Poornima’ (the ‘Coconut Full Moon Day’). It is believed here that since ancient times people worship Lord Varuna (the God of Sea) on this day. They offer the ‘Naariyals’ (coconuts) to Lord Varuna by proffering them into the sea.