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India is a country of festivals. It is culturally so rich that it celebrates a festival almost every month. The people of India are so lively that they find a reason or the other for celebrations. One of such reasons is the sweet and sour relationship between a brother and a sister. Though brothers and sisters share and enjoy the bond of love between them throughout the year but Rakhi is the day when they get an opportunity to express their tender love and feelings towards each other. The Rakhi day is an opportunity for them to commemorate their loving memories, loyalty, closeness, trust and friendship that is lasting and true.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year on ‘Shravan Purnima’ (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), which generally falls in the month of August. On the holy day of Rakhi the sisters tie a sacred piece of thread (Known as Rakhi or ‘Raksha-Sutra’) on the wrist of their brothers. Then they sweeten each others mouths with delicious and mouth-watering sweets. The festival of Rakhi also includes a tradition of offering gifts to sisters by the brothers.

Rakhi 2008 : will be celebrated on 16th August 2008
Rakhi 2009 : will be celebrated on 05th August 2009

R . A . K . H . I
R : Relationship
A : Affection
K : Knitting together
H : Him (Brother) & Her (Sister)
I : Interminably

Put them all together, they spell ” RAKHI”. Happy Rakhi to all you brothers and sisters!!!

One of the colors of the rainbow of Indian festivals, Raksha Bandhan holds a special significance in the Indian culture. Rakhi stands for the chaste and subtle bond of love and affection bond between a brother and a sister. This festival is one of the few festivals of India that indulges very deeply into the minds and emotions of every Indian
On the day of Raksha Bandhan the sisters get up early and after taking bath start preparing special rakhi delicacies for their loving brothers. Here we have complied few easy recipes for Rakhi.

Sisters are very sensitive and emotional beings. They love to get presents from their brothers. They do not care for the cost of the present. To them, a single rose that you give them with a smile is much better than any jewellery item. For them it is the thought that really matter.

When you are picking Rakhi gifts for your sister, it is always best to keep her personality and her choice in mind. We have provided few of the rakhi gift ideas that will probably help you to select some gift which you can send them to your sisters in India. With the internet age sending gifts to India can be done at the click of a mouse.

Cards:
You can very effectively express your feelings towards your sister with the help of a card. The contents in the cards are so well written that it matches your feelings and without making extra efforts you can express yourself.
Apparels-Sarees, Jeans, Toppers:
You can select a dress material from any showroom according to the taste and choice of your sister. The fabric must be selected according to the season.
Chocolates packs:
Generally chocolates are a favorite item of girls of all the age groups. You can choose any of the different shapes of chocolates to sweeten the occasion even more.
Jewellery: Bracelets, rings, ear-rings, chains, buckles, nose-pins.
Any one of these items could be a good gift item for her. While selecting you must go for the latest designs.
Photo Frames:
This is an item which helps you capture the beautiful and memorable moments of your life.
Ladies handbags:
These bags are a useful item for your sisters. You can help them add one more latest and stylish handbag in their collection.
Perfumes:
Perfumes should be chosen as per the choice of your sister. Some may like strong odor while others may like light odor.
Soft Toys:
Soft and stuffed toys are a good medium of expressing your tender feelings for your sister.
Wrist Watches:
Your sister might have got bored of repeating the same old wrist-watch everywhere. It is time to make her happy by presenting her a new and stylish one.
Quotations:
The show pieces with beautiful designs and carrying some special message for sister is another wonderful gift item for your sister. Through these items let her know how much you care for her.

With time traditions and customs associated with Rakhi have changed quite a bit. Earlier the brothers use to send gifts to their loving sisters but with changing times, even sisters like to send return gifts to their brothers as their token of love. Sending return gifts to brothers in India has become quite a trend.

So here are some of the Rakhi return gift ideas that you might use to please your brother and show him how much you love and care for him. Read and pick up a gift that suits your brother’s personality.

Shirts:
Be it formal or casual wear, shirts are another cool gift item. Please your brother by adding some more choice to his wardrobe.
Show pieces:
Your brother will be impressed by your choice of a beautiful show pieces made of terracotta, wood, stone or glass, reflecting your affection for him.
Cufflinks:
Let your brother know how much you care for him by presenting him beautiful cufflinks this time.
Leather belts:
Leather belts in different designs and with a modern look will make your brother look different in the crowd. The locks in these belts are also very stylish.
Wallets:
A new spacious wallet with more pockets will help your brother keep his things carefully.
Cameras:
Photo camera will help your brother enrich his creativity and innovative ideas.
Mobile handsets:
Latest mobile handsets have more and more new features like camera, polyphonic ring tones, internet and storing movies capacity. Let him have one of these trendy handsets.
Mp3 Remix songs, Ghazals or Pop albums:
Your brother has interest in music then a latest private album or a collection of dance-numbers or a latest ghazals collection is the best choice to present him.
Pens and Pen stands:
There are so sleek, light weight and good quality pens which can be a good gift item for anyone. Pen stand will help your brother in not losing the pens any more.
Books:
If your brother has interest in reading nothing can be a better gift for him other than a book. It could be story book, fiction, non-fiction or any special issue of magazines.

Rakhi is a very special festival of India that speaks volumes about the emotional attachment of the Indians with their siblings and families. Unique in its conception, Raksha Bndhan or Rakhi is celebrated as a symbol of love and good wishes of a sister for her brother’s long life and prosperity and the protective role of the brother to keep away all the miseries and harm from his beloved sister.

Here are some of the rakhi gift ideas that you might use to please your sister or brother and show him/her how much you love and care for him/her. Read and pick up a gift for Rakhi that suits their personality.

Raksha Bandhan Gift Ideas

On this Raksha Bandhan let your creativity flow out. Though money can buy the best gift from the market, yet nothing compares to the pleasure and pride of making gifts with our own hands for our loving brother or sister. Besides being less expensive they depict your love and affection that you have for your other sibling.

We are suggesting some of the ideas for these arts and crafts that you will enjoy. Below we have provided some of the Rakhi craft ideas to ease out your work.

Homemade Rakhi craft ideas

To Dear Brother……….From Sister

“Dear brother I am lucky to have you but
You are even luckier you have got me”.
You must have a sister as she is the best companion for fun
And you can always blame her for the mischief you have done.
Dear Bhai,
I can never forget the day in my life when you not only helped me in making a correct decision but also convinced Mamma and Papa in my favor. It was only you who helped me go for the training of journalism. When people say I am doing well I always remember you. You have given me most precious gift, my career, in turn of all my Rakhis.
Maya.
Dear Anuj,
I remember when I was young but old enough to realize the importance of Raksha Bandhan, I cried a lot on the day of Rakhi as I had none to tie a Rakhi to. I prayed before Lord Krishna for a brother and I got you on the very day of Rakhi. So thanks, you have made my Rakhi double special.
Have a Happy Birthday and Happy Rakhi Day.
Preeta Didi.
Mere bhai ka aur mera rishta…
Kabhi khattaa kabhi meethaa…
Kabhi hasna kabhi rona…
Kabhi roothna kabhi manana…
Kabhi pyar kabhi gussa…
Kabhi dosti kabhi jhagda…
Koi kare bhi to kare kya…
Ye rishta hai hi Anokhaa…

To Dear Sister……….From Brother

Dear sister I just wanted you to know that it means a lot to have a wonderful sister like you. Thanks for the treasure of all the sweet memories that you have given me.
Having a sister is same as having a lifelong friend.
Neither can I tell nor can you imagine what you are for me.
But I can tell you when I need a pillar of strength,
It’s you… It’s you…It’s you…
My Dear Rashmi,
I really cherish the life we have lived together. You have taught me the meaning and pleasure of sharing. In childhood I used to eat even your chocolates but you always shared your things with me. Now I realize I have been a bad brother. But I know that you love chocolates so this time only chocolates as your Rakhi gift.
Suraj
My Dear Chikki,
“Phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai…
Ek hazaron me meri behna hai…”
When even Fools have such good sisters
Why don’t I……
(Please don’t mind)
Akki Bhaiya

Indra and Indrani:
In the Vedic period, on a ‘Shravan Poornima’ day (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), the deities and the demons were fighting a battle against each other. Unfortunately the demons were in a stronger position as compared to the deities. The king of the deities, Lord Indra, was very much worried about the result of the battle. His wife Indrani (also known as Shashikala) could not see him worried and prayed to the almighty. Indrani was a religious lady so she prepared a Talisman with her religious power and tied it around Indra’s right wrist. She believed that this Talisman will safeguard Indra from the attack made by the demons. She was actually right about her belief as that day the deities won the battle and Lord Indra escaped unhurt.

Yama and Yamuna:
Yamuna was the sister of Lord Yama, the God of death. On every “Shravan Purnima” Yamuna used to tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) to Lord Yama. Since then it has become a tradition for the sisters to tie Rakhi to their brothers on this day. And the brothers bestow blessings on their sisters.

King Bali and Goddess Laxmi:
According to the mythology Raja Bali was such a great devotee of Lord Vishnu that Lord Indra felt insecured and he prayed Vishnu to help him save his throne. Vishnu accepted Indra’s prayer and overthrew Bali beneath the earth. When Bali asked Lord Vishnu about such treatment, Vishnu gave him boon of immortality and also promised to take care of his kingdom. To keep his promise Vishnu left his residence, ‘Vaikunthdham’ to safeguard Bali’s kingdom. Then the Goddess Laxmi, wife of Lord Vishnu, went to Raja Bali as a poor brahmin lady and requested him for shelter. She regarded Bali as her brother and therefore tied a Rakhi on to him on the ‘Shravan Poornima’ day. When Bali wished to give her some present she told him her true story and also told him that she came here because Lord Vishnu is here to guard his kingdom. So if he can, he should send Lord Vishnu back to Vaikunthdham. Raja Bali immediately requested Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi to return.

King Porus and Alexander’s wife:
The ancient history of India tells us that when Alexander the great came to India with a purpose to make India a part of his kingdom, he was resisted by the brave king Porus. Bravery of Porus led the wife of Alexander doubt the safety of her husband. Then the lady addressed Porus as her brother and thus became his sister. And a bond of Rakhi was established between them. That is why Porus never harmed Alexander.

Maharani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun:
In the Medieval Indian History the tale of Maharani Karnawati and the Mughal Emperor Humayun relates to the tradition of Rakhi. Maharani Karnawati was the queen of the Rajput Kingdom, Chittor, in Rajastan. When Chittor was threatened by Bahadur Shah of Mewar, the Maharani sent a Rakhi to Humayun, the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, and called him for help. Humayun was aware of the significance of Rakhi in the Hindu community so he immediately accepted her request to protect her. Nobody forced him to do so but he did so only out of his respect for the tradition of Rakhi.

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.

During the festivities of Rakhi the markets are in full bloom. Few days before Rakhi, sisters go to market to do rakhi shopping. Besides buying gifts, sweets, new clothes they buy rakhis for their brothers. There are lots of types of rakhis, with several designs, in the market all over. The wide range of rakhis include fancy rakhis, zari rakhis, resham rakhis, mouli, cartoon rakhis, rakhis with a religious touch and many more.

Today Indians are spread over all over the world. On this auspicious day, the brothers want to be present with their sisters. But sometimes it is just not possible to make it. But now they should not get disheartened. Today one can send online rakhi to India and to any country on this earth.

Kid Brothers:
The brothers in the age group up to 13 years are the children so go for a Rakhi with a kiddish touch. While selecting a Rakhi for these age group brothers always keep in mind their liking.

They generally like the cartoon characters such as jokers, pokemons, donald duck, shaktiman, micky mouse, tweety and other superheros. The musical Rakhis that produce different musical sounds are also liked by this age group. The Rakhis with toys like mobile handsets, cars, bikes and animals etc. attached to them are also well-liked by the children.

Young Brothers:
The brothers in the age group of 13 to 35 years are the young people. Their is a wide range of Rakhis in this category which is popular among this age group.

Such Rakhis mainly include Rakhis with a traditional look like fancy Rakhis, stone Rakhis, gold-silver coated Rakhis and zari Rakhis. Rakhis with trendy looks like funky Rakhis, bracelet style Rakhis, wrist watch style Rakhis, currency note Rakhis are equally liked by this age group brothers. These age group brothers prefer the latest designs of Rakhis in the market.

Older Brothers:
The brothers generally above 35 year are included in this age group. This age group brothers usually like the simple and not very heavily decorated Rakhis.

These brothers mostly prefer the simple ‘Dori’, Mouli or the ‘Ram Rakhis’. They sometimes also like the zari Rakhis, resham rakhis, gold-silver coated Rakhis and Rakhis embedded with precious and semi-precious stones. The special Rakhis with a little religious touch are also well liked in this age group. Such Rakhis carry the pious symbols of ‘Hindu Dharma’ like ‘Om’ sign, ‘Swastika’ sign and ‘Shree’ sign. Rakhis carrying the images of idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are also very popular in this age group.

Sisters-in-law:
Kangan Rakhi: In some parts of India, like Rajasthan and Gujrat’ on the Raksha-Bandhan day ladies tie a special type of Rakhi, known as ‘Kangan Rakhi’, on to their sisters-in-law. The ‘Kangan Rakhi’ is tied in the bracelets or the bangles of the ladies which the ladies put on their wrists.

First of all the ladies apply ‘Roli Teeka’ on the foreheads of their sisters-in-law. Then perform the tying of Kangan on to their sisters-in-law. Then they sweeten each others mouth with delicious sweets. And then offer gifts to each other which could be either in cash or kind.

So incase you have not yet bought any rakhi, buy them online and send Rakhi to India on time.