subject: Rakhi Return Gift Traditions [print this page] Rakhi Return Gift Traditions Rakhi Return Gift Traditions
On Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties a 'raksha' or 'rakhi' on her brother's right wrist, to protect him from everything negative in life and to strengthen the bond of love. This is also the time for family reunions. Sisters and brothers living away from families visit their home on this auspicious occasion.
Traditions of Raksha Bandhan
Sisters perform 'pujan', do 'arti', of their brothers and apply kumkum, rice grains on his forehead. After which, brothers give her a gift as a token of a promise to protect her. The Rakhi thread comes in varied designs. It may range from a simple coloured cotton string, dhaga, to intricate patterns and decorations of various sizes and materials as cotton, zari, beads, pearl, silver etc..
Of the various traditions of Raksha Bandhan, the most important one is the ceremony involving the exchange of Rakhi gifts and Rakhi return gifts. The present on Rakshabandhan may be in the form of the fulfillment of a promise of protection and everlasting love or it may be something tangible, cash or gifts on Rakhi.
Historical Evidence of The Tradition of Gifting
Even our history and mythology is full of examples wherein brothers did all they could to please their sisters with the choicest of Rakhi gifts. Be it the instance of Raja Bali fulfilling Goddess Laxmi's wish of returning home with Narayana as a Rakhi present. Or, be it the very famous sacrifice of King Porus sparing Alexander's life as a gift to Alexander's wife who had tied a Rakhi on his wrist. And who can forget what Emperor Humayun did to safeguard Rani Karnavati's kingdom on receiving a Rakhi from her.
Rakhi Return Gifts, The Evolution
Since times immemorial, it has been believed that sisters are to be pampered with loads of gifts when she comes to visit her parents/brother (post marriage) on Rakshabandhan.
One very prevalent custom has been giving cash as a return gift to sisters. The amount could be anything from Rs11/- to Rs51/-, Rs101/- and so on. The one rupee is considered to be auspicious when given with a round figure of money. Though gifting cash is a convenient way of letting your sister choose her own gift (with the money she collects from all her brothers). But, on the other hand, it is still an impersonal way of expressing your love and concern for her.
The Rakhi tradition of (giving) sending Rakhi gifts of cash to sisters is now becoming a thing of the past with many Rakhi return gift options available today. The Rakhi gift ideas for sisters can be any thing from apparels to decoratives, beauty products, jewelry, accessories etc..
