From Pavitropana to Salano: How rakhi is celebrated differently in Gujarat, Bengal, Tamil Nadu and the rest of India
Western India: Rituals, coconuts, and puran poli
In Gujarat, Rakhi coincides with the festival of Pavitropana, when devotees offer prayers and water to Lord Shiva. Temples see large gatherings, and the focus is on seeking forgiveness and spiritual cleansing.
In Maharashtra and Goa, the day overlaps with Nariyal Purnima, which marks the beginning of the fishing season. Coastal communities offer coconuts to Varuna, the sea god, as a ritual for prosperity. Families celebrate Raksha Bandhan alongside, with sisters tying rakhi and households preparing festive dishes like puran poli.
Southern India: Vedic rituals and family ties
In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Raksha Bandhan is observed as Avani Avittam, particularly by Brahmins. The day is marked by ritual bathing and donning of the Janeu, a sacred thread worn across the torso. It is considered a time for atonement.
In Karnataka and other Telugu-speaking regions, daughters tie rakhis to their fathers, a custom that highlights a broader familial bond. The day is also marked by special meals featuring payasam and vada. Scholars often begin their study of the Yajur Veda on this occasion.
Eastern India: Devotion, festivals and rural significance
In Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, the day is widely referred to as Jhulan Purnima, dedicated to Radha and Krishna. Festivities include singing devotional songs, dancing, and the traditional rakhi-tying ceremony.
In Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the festival is known as Kajari or Sharavani. It holds significance for women and farming communities, tying in with agricultural cycles and local customs.
In Assam and Tripura, community-wide celebrations are common. Besides brothers, rakhis are tied to friends and neighbours reinforcing unity and social bonding.
Northern India: Rituals, sweets and flying kites
Northern states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar celebrate Raksha Bandhan with elaborate home gatherings. Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads, and tie the rakhi. Traditional sweets such as laddu, barfi, and jalebi are commonly prepared.
In Haryana, the festival is locally known as Salano. Here, priests tie protective amulets to ward off negative energies. The day is also marked by kite flying, especially in Jammu, where kite strings are called GattuDor, adding a visual element to the festive atmosphere.
Despite its different expressions, Raksha Bandhan maintains a consistent theme across regions: the reaffirmation of love, protection, and shared culture between siblings and beyond. From sacred dips and temple offerings to songs, sweets, and community ties, the festival brings India's cultural diversity into sharp focus.
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