Rakhi is another great celebration from the land of festivals, India. It is about the love and affection between sister and brother.
On this day, sisters tie a thread/bracelet on the wrist of their brothers, symbolically to protect them (sisters) and wishing the long lives of brothers. After this, the brothers give the return gift to sisters.
The first 90 seconds from this beautiful song gets you the complete ritual of Rakhi. It is from the old Hindi movie Anjaana back in 1969. (Sorry no subtitles available)
Rakhi is a simplified name of the Sanskrit word Rakshabandhan (rʌkʃɑː ˈbʌnd(ə)n ), which translates to the bond of protection and care. It is part of Hindu culture but now it’s not limited to Hinduism only. It has been widely followed in Jainism, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists in the Indian continent. It is not related to blood relationships only. Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has been celebrating this, for 25 years, with her assumed sister from Pakistan.
When it is celebrated?
Rakhi is celebrated based on Hindu Lunar Calendar. It falls on the last day of Shravan (Hindu calendar) month. The next year 2021, it will be on 22 August.
| 2013 | August 21 |
| 2014 | August 10 |
| 2015 | August 29 |
| 2016 | August 18 |
| 2017 | August 7 |
| 2018 | August 26 |
| 2019 | August 15 |
| 2020 | August 3 |
More facts about Rakhi –
- Rakhi is always tied on the right wrist.
- With some variations, it is also known as Saluno, Silono, and Rakri in various parts of the country.
- 1829 The first attested use in the English language dates to 1829, in James Tod‘s Ann. & Antiq.
- Rakhi is not only made up of thread but also made up of raw cotton, silk thread, and gold, silver item.
- Studded with diamonds and gold, it may cost over 500,000 INR (~ $ 7000).
- There is also a tradition of planting a tree on this occasion.
- Based on some reports, Rakhi results in USD 800+ million business every year.
- This year, because of COVID-19 and face-off with China, estimates say – it will get loss of INR 4000 Cr (~ USD 500+ million) of business.
- Many mythological references are available to this festival.
- This nice article, explains the meaning of Rakhi.
Bonus –
During this COVID-19 pandemic period, one Indian pharmaceutical company Mankind, spreads the real meaning of Rakhi in an effective way. Subtitles available.
I hope this refreshes your understanding and knowledge about the festival.