In every sense Raksha Bandhan is a true Indian festival. Rakhi is all
about human emotions it's a celebration of love and care among siblings.
It portrays the true picture of our rich cultural heritage and
traditions. With the passage of time it is the celebration styles and
perspective that has become contemporary but the customs, traditions and
rituals is the same till date. Still today also the rituals are followed
with the same respect and enthusiasm. Through out the country the
festival is known as Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan but owing to its varied
legends and significance RakshaBandhan is known by different names in
different states of India, by different communities. The significance
and the way it is celebrated also varies with the regions. It is
primarily regarded as a North and West Indian Festival but is celebrated
in other parts of India as well though the day of Shravan Purnima or
Rakshabandhan has a different significance in southern and coastal
regions. It is celebrated as Rakhi Purnima in the northern and
northwestern parts of India. Here it is celebrated as the bond of love
between a brother and a sister.
In areas of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand Raksha
Bandhan is called by the name of Kajari Purnima or Shravani. Here Raksha
Bandhan is an important day for farmers and women who have sons. In the
southern parts of India in places like Kerala, Andhra Peadesh, Tamil
Nadu and parts of Orissa Rakhi Purnima is called Avani Avittam. It marks
an important day for the Brahmins. The day is called Upakarmam by the
Brahmins. They change their holy threads on this day. In the Western
Ghats side that includes the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and
Karnataka here Rakshabandhan signifies the beginning of a new season for
those dependent on sea. It is called Nariyal Purnima or coconut full
moon in these areas. In Gujarat Raksha Bandhan day is celebrated as
Pavitropana the day, which marks the worship of Lord Shiva. Due to
India's multifaceted cultural background each regions has a different
name and celebration for the Rakhi Purnima but what ever may be the
custom or tradition the common link is the tying of Rakhi on Raksha
Bandhan, which is now a part of all the ceremonies. India unity in
diversity is portrayed even in celebrating Raksha Bandhan. Rakhi, which
is mostly celebrated in the northern part of the country. But in other
parts of India the festival is celebrated in various other ways. The
rituals and customs, which are followed, differ from region to region
but all the celebration across the country maintains the actual essence
of the celebration, which speaks of spreading love and concern for each
other.
