Raksha Bandhan in India

Rakhi falls in the Shravana month according to the Hindu Calendar .i.e. in August as per the Georgian one. Rakhi celebration in India starts a month before. You must have seen markets adorned with beautiful Rakhi and innumerable gifts. For Indian families, festivals call for a family reunion. This time Raksha Bandhan is extra special as the independence day is on the same day. It will be the 73rd year of freedom which India will celebrate on August 15, 2019. India is a land where all the festivities are celebrated with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. Raksha Bandhan which is round the corner is a festival of siblings who share an unsurpassed bond. It is an auspicious day as it is marked with unconditional love and irreplaceable bond which is above all.

In this article, we will take you with us on a tour of India and how each state celebrates Rakhi in its own way.

Jammu
Rakhi is celebrated in an absolutely unique way in Jammu. It starts with kite flying which begins here a month before. Localites keenly take part in kite flying and welcome the festival of love and faith among siblings. It is not just standard or traditional size kites but kites of all shapes, sizes, and designs are used. People also use special string to fly kites like glass-coated manjha, chinese manjha etc.

Uttarakhand
Here the custom of change in "Janau" threads which are worn on the waist is celebrated on this day. Also, it is called by the same name rather than Raksha Bandhan. It is not only an important festival for all the siblings but also to all brothers in a household. Along with these, a fair also takes place in Champawat region on this day.

Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh
In South India, it is known by the name of, Avani Avittam which falls under the Shravan month on full moon night. This occasion is associated with the male members in the family. On this day, brahmin take a dip in water to get rid of their bad deeds. After that, the holy thread Janau which is worn around torso is changed with a new thread.

Gujarat
Raksha Bandhan has got another name in Gujarat, Pavitropana. On this day, women worship Shivlinga by pouring water and placing offerings to them. Thereafter, women visit the temples and ask atonement for all their past sins and well being of their family.

Madhya Pradesh
Kajari Purnima is another name of Rakhi in Central India which is a significant festival for farmers. Farmers worship their land while mothers perform pooja along with their son. Festivities begin here at least a week before Kajari Purnima. The wives of farmers go to their fields and bring back some soil in leaves. The soil is then planted with barley and after 7 days it is submerged in a river by praying for the prosperity in their family.

Maharashtra
In the western ghats, it is celebrated by the name of Narali Poornima in which people worship sea. After tying rakhis, fishermen throw coconuts in sea as an offering to god to ensure the health and wealth of family. This day is also marked by the cooking of coconut-based dishes or food. After the conclusion of worshipping of sea, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated.

Odisha and West Bengal
In East India, Raksha Banshan has got another name, “Jhoolan Poornima” where people worship Lord Krishna and Radha. The start of the day is done by offering prayer to God and followed by the rakhi tying among siblings. Moreover, Rakhi Utsava is also a very prominent festival in Shantiniketan to celebrate brotherhood.

Nepal

Similar to Uttarakhand Raksha Bandhan is called here by the name of “Janau Purnima”. Raksha Bandhan has got two names in Nepal, Doro and Janai Poornima. It is not only an occasion of siblings but of all family members celebrate it. All the elders members of the family go to relatives' place and tie a thread of love to each other as well as to younger ones in the family. On this day, a special dish called “Kwati” is prepared which is made of 7 grains.

Rakhi Celebration in all the regions of India represents diverse of our nation. Let us know in the comments below your way of celebrating Rakhi. For one-stop solution book your train as well as flight tickets through Trainman app. Download Trainman App and check the PNR Status of ticket, Seat Availability , Running Status, and lot more.