How to perform Raksha Bandhan ritual?

Mumbai: Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival meant for brothers and sisters but has a profound meaning. The festival is about protection of good from the influence of the evil. There are various legends associated with this festival. But the foundation or the essence remains the same.

Indian sisters and brothers across the world will celebrate Rakhi on August 7 this year. As sisters gear up to tie the best Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, let’s know how to perform the Raksha Bandhan ritual.

Sisters need to prepare the Rakhi ki thaali. You need a small diya, akshat (rice mixed with turmeric), kumkum, sweets and the Rakhi.
Pray with your entire family. Offer a small pooja at your house’s temple.
After offering pooja to the God. Place a small wooden platform on the floor and put rangoli on all the four sides. Make your brother sit on the platform.
Both of you must then pray for each other’s well being and long life.
Apply a tilak with the kumkum on your brother’s forehead.
Then tie the Rakhi around his right wrist.
Wave the arti place in a circular pattern in front of him.
Put the akshat on his head.
Offer the sweet to your brother.
Humbly accept the gift that he has bought for you.

The pattern of performing the ritual may vary from region to region, but the principles remain the same.

Enjoy the beautiful estival to celebrate your bond with your sibling. Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Raksha Bandhan in advance.