Rakhadumni Celebrations
The
festival is celebrated primarily by sisters tying colorful threads
called ‘Rakhis’ on the wrists of their brothers. These Rakhis are of
different hues, shapes, and sizes and are often made of silk, gems, and
other fine materials. They can be bought from every nook and corner but
are sometimes adoringly made by the sisters themselves. Needless to add,
the Rakhis are accompanied by the sisters’ love and blessings for their
brothers’ good fortune and success in life. In return, the brothers pledge to perpetuate the eternal bond and to forever protect their sisters from harm. Himachali girls and women who do not have blood brothers observe the Rakhadumni festival with respected male acquaintances, often older gentlemen or local priests. The brothers and sisters then exchange sweets, gifts, and ceremonial platters further adding to the bonhomie and festive air. Owing to the propitious Bhadrapad season, crops such as barley, rice, and wheat are also sown by farmers as a rite.