Raksha Bandhan - Celebrating the sacred bond of brother and sister

Wednesday, August 21

Raksha Bandhan 2013

Raksha Bandhan, popularly known as rakhi, is a festival observed to pay homage to the sacred and unconditional bond between brothers and sisters. It's an ancient Vedic festival which is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August). Raksha Bandhan 2013 will be celebrated with zest and vigour on August 21.

On this festival, as a ritual, a sister ties a colourful rakhi, a sacred thread that symbolizes love between siblings, around her brother's wrist. The festival starts by performing traditional aarti and concludes with prayers. Moreover, as a part of tradition, a brother presents his sister varied exciting gifts and vows to guide and protect her throughout the life. Gifts play a prominent role and symbolizes tokens of love and affection.

The festivity of Raksha Bandhan has religious fervour and can be traced in the Indian mythology and history. Interesting instances pertaining to the celebration of Raksha Bandhan can also be found in ancient manuscripts. The celebration of this festival is all about paying reverence to emotions and the sentiments attached between siblings.

Raksha Bandhan is a festival of fervour and its festivity can be witnessed in other communities as well besides in Hindu and Sikh communities. Special events with fun-filled activities and bazaars are organised to observe the day. Markets and shops on the occasion are embellished with colourful and captivating designs of rakhis, gifts, sweets to celebrate the occasion. Rush of people to the shops are seen ahead of the celebration trying to find the best gifts and rakhis.

Rakhis are available in captivating design forms that include teddy bear, flowers, dolls and cartoon characters.

Online stores also display a striking collection of delightful rakhi gifts at attractive prices for the festival. Most online or virtual stores offer an extensive range of colourful rakhi gifts with the option to send rakhi to India or anywhere around the world ensuring prompt dispatch.

Another popular way of sending rakhi wishes is by sending and sharing animated and fascinating rakhi e-cards available online.

However, many think that traditional rakhi gifts are passé and people are opting for new gift ideas to amuse their loved ones. They seek for innovative gift ideas that are thrilling and sure to last lifetime.

Sending lovely and inspiring rakhi SMS is also a wonderful and popular way to celebrate the occasion and capture the moments. Numerous collection of rakhi SMSes are easily available online that are best to convey love and affection on the special day.

Banking on the popularity of sending rakhi SMSes, many service providers offer customized, graphic and a variety of rakhi SMS options to their customers to celebrate raksha bandhan. Moreover, the availability of sending a rakhi SMS in the language of one's choice has amplified its popularity.

Raksha Bandhan is the perfect time to show your love and affection towards your siblings and strengthen the bond.

Source: Times of India