Significance of Rakhi

Rakhi holds a special place in the heart of siblings as it is dedicated to siblinghood. This eve is notably celebrated across the country including mainly Hindus, jains and sikhs. It is also renowned by other names such as rakhi purnima, rakshabandhan or simply rakhi. When it comes to its significance, it is very important as well as great.


Rakshabandhan is formed with two words namely Raksha and bandhan. In Sanskrit, it means “the tie or knot of protection”. This is mainly a Hindu festival which celebrates the love and bond between siblings. On this particular day, a sister ties rakhi thread on the wrist of brothers as a way to wish him all success and happiness in life. As its name implies, auspicious rakhi thread also protect brothers against bad eye.

In return, a brother also promises to protect his loving and caring sisters forever, no matter what is the situation. This festival is also celebrated with cousins as well as other distant family members. This auspicious and delightful eve is observed in the month of sravana. And it falls every year in the month of august.

As it is mentioned earlier that raksha bandhan is celebrated across the country among various religions but the main intention remains to be same which is celebrating the love between siblings. Name of this eve vary from state to state. Let’s have a look!

Kumaon region: In Kumaon district, Uttarakhand, this eve is renowned as Janopunyu. All rituals are performed by sisters and brothers as well as men also change their janeu which is the sacred thread.


West Bengal: In west Bengal, this special eve is renowned by the name of Jhulan Purnima. On this eve, lord Krishna and radha are worshipped by people. Rakhi is notably celebrated in this state by tying rakhi on the wrist of brothers.


Nepal: In this state, rakhi purnima is notably renowned as Janaeu Purnima. Nepalese people observe this day by tying rakhi on the wrist but it is tied by the senior family members and relatives. Another important fact is that, a special delicacy is also rejoiced on this particular day namely “Kwati”.


Maharashtra: Here, rakshabandhan is celebrated by the name of “Nariyali Poornima”. Kolis which are the fishermen community of the coastal state of Maharashtra, worship lord Varuna on this day. Coconuts are thrown into the sea in the form offering to lord Varuna. As well as, people also apply sindoor or vermillion on foreheads of each other as a symbol of prosperity.


Though this festival has different names but it is celebrated all over the country by rakhi delivery in India with a same feeling that is to nurture as well as strengthen the sister-brother bond. People also send rakhi to India along with exclusive rakhi gifts to be part of this thoughtful celebration.

Gujarat: RakshaBandhan is celebrated as Pavitropana in Gujarat. Lord Shiva is worshipped by the people of Gujarat to wash off their committed sins. The grand Puja is performed using cotton filaments and kasa grass entwined together soaked in cow products or Panchgaivya i.e. cow's ghee, milk, curd, urine and excreta. This thread is finally tied around the Shivalinga.

South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Orissa: The festival of rakhi is known as AvaniAvittam or Upakarmam in the southern states of India. This day is celebrated by the Brahmin community of these places on which they change their sacred threads. A Janeyu ceremony is performed and people offer prayer to their ancestors and Gurus to whom they indebted for the Vedas and spiritual knowledge.

Haryana: The people of Haryana celebrate Salano on the day of RakshaBandhan. On this day, the priests tie good luck amulets on the wrists of people to ward off negativities.

Jammu: A kite flying ceremony is observed after the rituals of Rakhi are performed in Jammu. Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand: People of these states refer RakshaBandhan as Shravani or Kajari. The day holds importance in the lives of women and farmers.