Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi festival is also known as Rakhi Purnima as it commence on the full moon day of the Hindu month 'Shravana'. The month of Shravana is very sacred month as It is the month of gods and pujans (worships) and the full moon day being the most vital day of all. Rakhi Purnima is significant in more than one way. As this festival is celebrated in many states, it is also known with many names and rituals but the only thing that does not change is the prayer and oath for the protection of siblings. The day is celebrated with exchanging gifts and sweets.
Every region has different beliefs related to Raksha Bandhan and follow different rituals. In Western parts of India, rakhi is considered to be an offering to the Lord of the sea (Varuna in Hindu mythology). People offer coconut on this day to Lord Varuna and that is why it is also called as Nariyal Purnima.
In Southern part of India, Raksha Bandhan is known as Avani Avittam. The festival is vital for Brahmins. People first take a sacred bath and then change their sacred thread (Janeyu) amid chanting the holy mantras. They take an oath to perform the brahmanik duties as decided in the holy books and adopt a good conduct and dignity. The Janeyu is a symbol of the pledge for adherence to vedic culture, observance of Hindu traditions and service to humanity. The ceremony is known as Shravani or Rishi Tarpan.
In Northern region India, Kajari Purnima is the name by which the festival of Rakhi /Raksha Bandhan is known as. People worship Goddess Bhagwati and farmers seek her blessings for a good harvest. The name Baleva represents the might of King Bali and his loyalti to lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi.
In this occasion you can find out different kinds of rakhis everywhere like, gold rakhi, pearl rakhi, silver rakhi, rakhis for kids, zari rakhi, sandlewood rakhi, floral rakhi etc. For your married brothers, you can choose bhaiya-bhabi rakhi along with the brother’s rakhi. Sisters make sure that they choose best rakhi for their brothers and they also prepare puja thali and rakhi recipes on this occasion. They choose unique way to decorate rakhi thali like rakhi with sweets, rakhi with flowers, rakhi with chocolates, rakhi with dry fruits to make their brother feel more special.
Brothers also do not want to lag behind to show their affection and choose best return gift for sisters like rakhi gift hampers, rakhi cards etc.
Although, gifts are not important to show your affection, but it has become a custom now and a perfectly selected gift for any occasion makes the receiver feel more special.