How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated in Rajasthan?

Raksha Bandhan festival in Rajasthan is famous for its grandeur. In Rajasthan, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with pomp and show. The festival falls in the month of Shravan (July-August), and people in Rajasthan get dressed up in their ethnic attire. People decorate their homes with rangoli, jhoomar, tukra art and use vibrant colours like orange, green, yellow, etc. First, let’s talk about the significance of Raksha Bandhan.

Significance of Raksha Bandhan

There are many stories and theories related to Raksha Bandhan. According to one story, once Draupadi-the wife of Pandavas, tied the Rakhi thread to Lord Shri Krishna on Purnima tithi of Shukla Paksha of Shravan month to receive blessings and protection from all the problems and challenges of life. Lord Krishna promised to protect her. Later on, Duryodhan (Prince of Hastinapur and Draupadi’s brother-in-law), tried to insult her in court by removing her clothes (Saari) by force. Draupadi prayed and remembered Lord Krishna at the moment, and he protected Draupadi by increasing the length of her Saari (an Indian traditional female dress).

As per another story, when Indra was defeated by Vritrasura, Indra went to Brihaspati (the Guru of Deities) to get advice. On his advice, Indra's wife Shachi tied a Rakhi thread on Indra’s wrist, to make sure of victory. She then went to Rishi Dadhichi to bring his bones as a donation to make a weapon called ‘Vajra’. Indra got his bones, made the weapon Vajra, defeated Vritrasura, and got his Kingdom "Swarga" back.

Rituals and Celebrations on Raksha Bandhan:

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great fervour and brotherhood, which reinforces the bonding between brothers and sisters. It is when brothers take a holy dip in the sacred rivers accompanied by their sisters who tie Rakhi on their hands and seek blessings. Many temples throughout Rajasthan organize special celebrations to commemorate this festival as well.

Celebrations of Raksha Bandhan are special in Rajasthan. Just like you, the ladies here also get to wear a rakhi on their wrists. It is more of a family affair, and sisters love to treat their brothers to lavish meals and feel proud that they have tied a rakhi on their wrists. The festival is celebrated with great zeal and zest throughout the state.

Raksha Bandhan nowadays:

Raksha Bandhan is one of the most important festivals for sisters as it provides them with a chance to bond with their loving brother. However, the festival is celebrated differently nowadays depending upon the region and family traditions. Nowadays, people have grown clever rather than following the traditional sweets and gifts; people exchange practical presents. This may include cakes, personalised gifts, hampers, flowers, cookies, gadgets, etc. People these days have also opted for online rakhi delivery (especially during Covid times) rather than personally visiting or sending rakhis/gifts via post. The rakhi threads designs have also evolved a lot. Earlier they used to be quite basic and nowadays the variety available is endless. People have also grown a keen interest in silver rakhi online, which are not only beautiful but are considered as pretty little investments as well.

So here was everything you need to know about how is Rakhi celebrated in Rajasthan. Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful festival. Raksha Bandhan, or "bond of protection", is a gathering of sisters and brothers to celebrate this strong and sacred bond. So, celebrate and enjoy this festival with your friends and family with zeal and happiness.