Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Shravan Poornima – the auspicious day when Yamuna – the River Goddess – tied ‘rakshaa’ on her brother’s wrist and granted him immortality. Her brother Yama – the God of Death – was so touched by her gesture that he extended the boon to all brothers whose sisters tie rakhis on their wrists and pray for their long life on this day.

Puja Thali Preparation for the Puja:
• Coconuts for brothers
• Dry coconut / gut for bhabhis
• Sweets
• Aarti thaali with roli, rice, sweet, water, deepak

If the brother is residing in another city, all the rakhis along with roli, chawal, mishri are sent in advance to him, Sister-in-law and the nephews and nieces. Some people like to send token gifts also. If the brother stays in the same city, the program is fixed a few days in advance and a suitable time and venue is fixed. The sister goes to the brother’s house to tie the Rakhi.

Vidhi / Method of performing the Puja
• In many homes, first rakhi is offered to Lord Ganesha or the deity of the family. Girls and women, who don’t have brothers, also tie rakhis to deities of their choice.
• Then Sister applies tilak to the brother.
• She ties rakhis on the right wrist of the brother.
• A coconut is given to the brother and the sister also makes him eat some sweet.
• According to his wish, the brother gives the sister gift.
• Then the sister applies tilak to bhabhi.
• On the bangles of the left hand the sister ties the Lumba.
• Bhabhi is given gut and some sweets to eat. The Bhabhi gives some Pagalagai to the sister.
• Then the sister applies tilak to the nephews and nieces.
• Rakhis-chakaliyas are tied. Sweets and some gifts are given.