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Time of India
07-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
From Pavitropana to Salano: How rakhi is celebrated differently in Gujarat, Bengal, Tamil Nadu and the rest of India
Raksha Bandhan, observed in the month of Shravana, sheds light on the bond between siblings, especially brothers and sisters. While the traditional tying of a sacred thread (rakhi) by sisters and the vow of protection from brothers remain central, the festival takes on different hues across Indian states. These variations are rooted in regional customs, mythology, and community beliefs. 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.
India.com
07-08-2025
- General
- India.com
Discover How Raksha Bandhan 2025 Is Celebrated Differently Across Various States Of India
Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival—it's an emotion that binds siblings with love, protection, and lifelong promises. While tying a rakhi and exchanging gifts are central to the celebration, the traditions and customs around Raksha Bandhan vary beautifully across different regions of India. Let's explore the unique ways this festival is celebrated throughout the country:- 1. Rajasthan: Rakhi Tied to the King's Wrist In Rajasthan, Raksha Bandhan goes beyond familial relationships. Women in many communities tie rakhis not only to their brothers but also to the wrist of the reigning king or a symbolic representation of him. This gesture signifies the protection of the entire community and pays tribute to the ruler's duty as a guardian. 2. Maharashtra: Narali Purnima Among Fisherfolk For the fishing communities in Maharashtra, Raksha Bandhan coincides with Narali Purnima, when they offer coconuts to the sea god for safety and prosperity. Sisters tie rakhi to their brothers as usual, but the celebration is deeply connected to nature and livelihood. 3. Gujarat: Pavitropana and Raksha Bandhan Together In Gujarat, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated along with Pavitropana, a religious ceremony dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees visit temples, and brothers and sisters seek divine blessings alongside performing rakhi rituals. 4. Punjab: Rakhi in the Fields and Fairs Punjabi households make the occasion vibrant with melas (fairs), food, and family gatherings. Farmers in rural Punjab also tie rakhis to the tools they use for cultivation, symbolizing protection and prosperity for the land and crops. 5. West Bengal and Odisha: Jhulan Purnima In West Bengal and Odisha, Raksha Bandhan aligns with Jhulan Purnima, a celebration of the divine love of Radha and Krishna. The rakhis are tied, but the festivities also include decorating swings, singing devotional songs, and vibrant cultural events. 6. Nepal: Raksha Bandhan as Janai Purnima In Nepal, the festival is known as Janai Purnima, when men of the Brahmin and Chhetri communities change their sacred threads, called "Janai." Sisters tie rakhi or 'raksha sutra' on their brothers' wrists, just like in India, making it a spiritual as well as familial event. 7. Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Karnataka: Avani Avittam In southern India, Raksha Bandhan is not as widely celebrated, but the same day is observed as Avani Avittam, especially among Brahmin communities. It involves sacred thread changing rituals for men, and in some households, sisters still follow the tradition of tying rakhi. 8. Bihar & Jharkhand: The Essence of Protection In Bihar and Jharkhand, Raksha Bandhan is marked by both brothers and sisters performing rituals for each other's protection. In some tribal regions, women tie rakhis to neighbors and community leaders too, as a symbol of goodwill and unity. Raksha Bandhan is a festival of love and bonding, but across India, its celebration is woven into local cultures, spiritual beliefs, and even agricultural practices. From the royal rituals of Rajasthan to the sea offerings of Maharashtra, each tradition adds a unique color to this cherished festival. In 2025, whether you are near your sibling or celebrating virtually, take a moment to appreciate the rich cultural diversity that makes Raksha Bandhan even more special.
