Rakhi with a twist: 10 uncommon traditions that redefine the festival
Lumba rakhi for bhabhi (Rajasthan)
In Rajasthan, sisters tie a lumba rakhi on their brother’s wife’s bangle, symbolising the protection and respect extended to the entire family, not just the brother.
Narali purnima connection (Maharashtra)
Raksha Bandhan coincides with Narali Purnima, a festival where fishermen offer coconuts to the sea. Sisters also tie rakhis, blending coastal traditions with familial rituals.
Jhulan purnima (West Bengal)
In Bengal, Raksha Bandhan merges with Jhulan Purnima, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Devotees swing idols, and siblings celebrate the bond with sweets and symbolic rakhis.
Raksha bandhan as janai purnima (Nepal)
In Nepal, Raksha Bandhan is observed as Janai Purnima, when men change their sacred thread and priests tie protective threads (raksha sutra) on wrists for spiritual security.
Gamha purnima rituals (Odisha)
In Odisha, Raksha Bandhan aligns with Gamha Purnima, honouring Lord Balabhadra. Sisters tie rakhis and offer special pitha (rice cakes), marking sibling bonds with regional delicacies and deities.
Rakhi for trees and soldiers (Uttar Pradesh)
In some UP villages, people tie rakhis to trees and send them to soldiers, extending the protective spirit of Raksha Bandhan beyond family to nature and national service.
Raksha bandhan and bhaiya duj crossover (Gujarat)
In parts of Gujarat, Rakhi rituals blend with Bhaiya Duj-style celebrations, where sisters perform full aartis and feed their brothers, mirroring the warmth of multiple sibling-focused festivals.
Rakhi with kite flying (Punjab)
In Punjab, especially among children, kite flying is added to Rakhi celebrations, turning the day into a colourful, sky-filled festival of love, food, and playful competition.
Raksha bandhan with sacred thread renewal (Bihar)
In Bihar, Brahmins use Raksha Bandhan to renew their yajnopavita (sacred thread), linking brother-sister rituals with spiritual cleansing and personal vows of self-restraint.
Avani avittam link (Tamil Nadu)
Though Raksha Bandhan isn’t widely observed, Avani Avittam, a sacred thread renewal day for Brahmins, often overlaps, reinforcing spiritual rebirth and familial protection through Vedic rituals and chanting.