The important part of the holiday is when a sister ties a bracelet, most often fashioned from thread and adorned with beads or jewels or some other religious adornments, to her brother's wrist. The significance of this is that the rakhi is blessed and will protect her brother. The brother's role in accepting the rakhi is the promise to protect his sister from harm or hardship. In some parts of India it is celebrated with more religious significance in which the sister performs a Ganesh puja or another puja prior to tying the rakhi. This is done with the whole family present, thus becoming a family affair, and an opportunity to celebrate together.
Rakhis are traditionally given from sisters to brothers and can also be given to cousins as well. Historically rakhis can be given to anyone as an offer of blessing or protection or to anyone, including friends who might be considered close like family.
These days, Rakhi or Raksha Bandan is not only a major holiday, but big business as well. Kids are off from school and web sites are replete with gift suggestions, e-cards, and information about the holiday. The styles of rakhis range from the very simple cotton or silk thread to very elaborate ones made of silver or gold and adorned with pearls, diamonds, or other gemstones. There are whimsical ones intended for children complete with Power Rangers and Spiderman as well as very traditional ones featuring "om" or Ganesh.
Apparently the gift giving doesn't stop with the rakhi as it is now customary to include sweets or chocolate along with the rakhi. It is also suggested that brothers present their sisters with gifts as well of... get this... jewelry, trendy clothes, or purses. One web site encourages this and says something to the effect of, "Give your sister the gift of trendy clothes or the latest purse. She will always remember you and this special occasion when she looks so fashionable. What is that??? That's all my daughter, who at age 4, is already way too clothing and accessory conscious for her own good. I can just picture it now, "You know, you should really get me that purse or that outfit for this holiday. It's your religious duty to protect me, you know..."
Our celebration this year was quite simple and sweet. We shared the holiday with our neighbor and dear friend who performed the puja and recited the mantras and shlokas. There was some money exchanged in lieu of gifts, along with the instruction from our family friend that it should be spent on a nice gift. The rakhi itself lasted all of about an hour, at which point he determined that it was not cool for him to wear a colorful woven band, religious protection or not. Quite frankly, it got in the way of his wrist guards and he has to wear them while rollerblading.
While the little one did not score any Coach or Prada this year, I am sure that it is just a matter of time before she becomes aware of this aspect of the holiday. I might, however, have to limit her time on some of those Indian shopping websites, lest she is lured by the marketing.... At seven years old, my son's budget is quite limited, but he adores his sister, so this is something they will have to look forward to in the years to come. (Not that I am encouraging such blatant materialism, but if it's on sale, it is a holiday, after all...)
