Rakhadumni, also popularly known as ‘Rakhi’, ‘Kajri Purnima’, and
‘Raksha Bandhan’, is a festival deeply rooted in Indian and Himachali
heritage. Rakhadumni, literally “protective bond”, celebrates the
unalloyed and impregnable relationship between brothers and sisters that
has lasted since time immemorial. This affectionate bond is consummated
in
Himachal Pradesh during Rakhadumni, celebrated during August overlapping
with the Hindu month of Bhadrapad, on a full-moon day.
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.
Rakhadumni Traditions
The Rakhis traditionally persist on the
brothers’ wrists for an entire month until the onset of the Sairi
festival (named after and dedicated to a regional female deity). During
the Sairi ceremonies, the Rakhis are offered to the deity along with
prayers and libation.
