Every festival in India has its unique cultural background and importance. The same event might be celebrated in different ways across the country, with different customs. Raksha Bandhan is no different. The festival's main purpose is to build and commemorate the brother-sister connection. The event is commemorated in most regions of the country by the sister tying a rakhi around her brother's wrist. In different regions of India, though, Rakshabandhan event takes on a different tint. Let's take a look at a few of them

Narali Purnima in Maharashtra : As Maharashtra is a coastal state, it celebrates Narali Purnima along with Rakhi Purnima. This festival is very important for the people who are predominantly dependant on the sea for their livelihood. They offer coconut to the god of sea, Lord Varun as a mark of respect. It marks the start of the fishing season for the fisher folks. They perform this ritual to the sea god to protect them from natural calamities. This pooja is observed by the Koli community of the state. Pieces of coconut are distributed among the friends and family as Prasad and the main dish of the day is coconut rice.

Lumba Rakhi in Rajasthan : While most north Indians celebrates the festival by tying rakhi on the brother's wrist, among the Marwari and Rajasthani community sisters ties rakhi on the bangle of their brother's wife as well. This is called as Lumba Rakhi. This signifies a whole hearted acceptance of the latter into her brother's life. This helps cement the sister's relationship with her brother and his wife. Tying Rakhi to sister-in-law also signifies that the latter will support her husband in his duty to protect his sister.

Pavitropana in Gujarat : On the day of Rakhi Poornima, Gujarat also celebrates Pavitropana. The people of Gujarat worship Lord Shiva on this auspicious day. As per belief, anyone worshipping Lord Shiva on this day is rid of all his sins. Pavitropana is made of pavitras, a few filaments of cotton and kasa grass entwined and knotted together which is then soaked in a mixture of five products obtained from the cow called panchgaivya (Cow's ghee, milk, curd, urine, and gobar).This thread is then tied around the shivalinga.

Kajari Purnima in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar : People of Madhya Pradesh and Bihar celebrate Raksha Bandhan day as Kajari Purnima. It is an important day for the farmers as this day marks the beginning of the new agricultural season. They also believe that the next season is extremely favorable for sowing Barley and Wheat, as these are their main crops.

Jhulan Poornima in West Bengal : Known as Jhulan Poornima, this festival celebrates the romance between Radha and Krishna. It is a five day long ritual of Lord Krishna and Radha swinging on the jhula (swing). The celebration starts on the Pavitra Ekadashi and ends on the Raksha Bandhan or the full moon day of the month. Lord Krishna and Radha are made to sit on a swing or jhula and are made to swing. The swing is predominantly decked with various flowers and takes the form of a huge festival at the Mayapur Iskcon temple.

Jandhyam Purnima in Uttarakhand : On this day, which is also known as Shravani Purnima since it occurs on a full moon day in the month of Shravan, the people of Kumaon celebrate Raksha Bandhan and Janopunyu. On that day, individuals replace their Janeu (holy thread), which is traditionally worn by the community's Brahmins.

Gamha Purnima in Odisha : People in Odisha also observe Gamha Purnima on Raksha Bandhan Day, when domesticated cows and bullocks are decked and worshipped. Pitha, a sweet dessert comprised of rice paste and coconut filling, is cooked and distributed to family and friends on this day.

Avani Avittam in Southern India : In South India, Rakhi Purnima is known as Avani Avittam. Brahmins alter the sacred thread known as Janeyu that they wear after having a holy plunge on this day. The Mahasankalpam, or pledge to live a life of goodness, strength, and dignity, is symbolized by the alteration of the Janeyu. Prayashchitam is the atonement of all prior sins, and Mahasankalpam is the commitment to live a life of goodness, strength, and dignity. Scholars commence the reading of the Yajur Veda on this day.

So, in what-so-ever ways Rakshanbandhan is being celebrated in various regions and states of India, the essence of the festival remains the same. Raksha means protection and bandhan meaning bond of love. So all in all this auspicious occasion is the celebration of sacred brother-sister relationship celebrated across India and crossed International boundaries as well where Indians communities resides like USA, UK, Canada, Australia etc. 

Author Name : Pradipta Mitra

Word Count : 783