In India festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Dassehra, Navratri are celebrated across the country. While each of the states has its own tradition of celebrating these festivals, there are a few things that are always common.
For example, in Diwali, it is common for the Hindus to worship Laxmi devi and also celebrate bhai duj. Similarly, on Raksha Bandhan, it is common in almost all Hindu households that the sisters should tie rakhis to their brothers.
The designs of the rakhis also vary as per the choice, budget, and state but the symbol of brother and sister bonding that this festival indicates remains the same throughout the country.
Incidentally, a few rituals or traditions that are followed in Raksha Bandhan while tying the rakhi are also almost similar.
Fasting for the good health of brother
In India fasting for the long and healthy life of someone dear is a tradition. That is why in many places there is a custom that the sister fasts for the long life of her brother. She eats only after tying the rakhi to her brother. However, it is not a custom that is observed in all the states, and in many cultures fasting is not necessary.
Rakhi Thali
It is of great significance during Raksha Bandhan as the sister first worships God and then does aarti of her brother using the thali.
It essentially is decorated with some must-have elements like kumkum, akshada or coloured rice, betel nut leaves, diya, and rakhi. Sweets are also a part of this celebration and they include gujiyas, ladoos, malpuwa, and halwa.
Rakhi is a colourful item in which anything in a circular design done creatively is attached to a silk thread and that silk thread is then tied on the hand of the brother by the sister.
After applying the kumkum and the rice on the forehead of the brother, the sister does aarti with the diya and then ties rakhi. After that, she offers sweets to her brother.
In return, the brother gives a gift to his sister according to her wish or his budget. While the gift is an important part of this celebration, Raksha Bandhan is more about brother-sister bonding.