Raksha Bandhan; a time-honoured tradition in India is just around the corner. It is a festival that is not only about tying a rakhi but also about the rituals and puja that add more depth and meaning to the celebration. However, performing the Rakhi Puja can be crucial as it is done to wish for the brother’s well-being and to strengthen the sibling relationship.
So, are you wondering about how to do Rakhi Puja the right way? If yes then here is a step-by-step guide to help you perform the Rakhi Puja with traditional touch and authenticity.
Setting the Atmosphere
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Before starting the Puja, it is nice to create a serene atmosphere for Raksha Bandhan rituals. Clean the area thoroughly, and decorate it with flowers or rangoli if you want. For an added touch, light incense sticks to fill the air with a pleasant aroma. Moreover, you can always play bhai-behen-themed songs to further enhance the ambience and keep everyone focussed.
Puja Preparations
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Before any Puja, you have to ensure that you have all the necessary items on hand. It is even better if you gather everything one day before to avoid any last-minute hassle. Here is the list of all the essentials that you will need for your rakhi puja.
- Rakhi: The sacred thread that you will tie to your brother’s wrist. Usually designed with beads, stones, or silk threads, get the one that resonates with your brother’s choice.
- Diya (Lamp): Light a diya with ghee or oil to invoke divine blessings.
- Roli (Red Powder) and Akshat (Rice Grains): These are used for the tilak ceremony.
- Sweets: To offer to your brother after the puja. Whether he loves Soan Papdi, gulab jamun, rasgulla or any other sweet, treat his taste buds just right!
- Puja Thali: At last, to keep everything in place and rakhi with sweets, you will need a decorated plate that holds them all perfectly for the puja.
The Rakhi Puja Ritual
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Now that everything is ready, this is the Rakhi Puja Vidhi you can follow:
- Tilak and Aarti: Firstly, apply a tilak (mixture of roli and water) on your brother’s forehead then apply rice grains. Now, perform a small aarti (prayer) to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Tying the Rakhi: After the tilak ceremony and aarti, tie the rakhi around your brother’s wrist. While doing so, chant a short mantra or a prayer in your heart, wishing him a long, prosperous, and happy life. The rakhi is more than just a thread; it is a symbol of love, care, and the promise of protection.
- Offering Sweets: Here comes the best part of the ritual. Treat his taste buds with his favourite sweets symbolising sweetness and joy in your relationship. This gesture strengthens the bond between you and him and also adds a festive touch to the occasion.
- Blessings: Finally, after Rakhi Puja Vidhi, the brother gives a gift to his sister often in the form of money, clothes or any other thoughtful gift. You as a sister can also give him a gift. This exchange of gifts is a token of your appreciation and love.
So, now that you know how to perform the Rakhi puja with devotion and a better understanding of its significance, you not only uphold tradition but also pass it on to the next generation. This Raksha Bandhan, perform the puja the right way and fill your home with love, blessings, and divine grace. In case, you and your brother live miles away from each other then you can also send rakhi online to him along with the Puja essentials ensuring that your love and care reach him no matter where he is! Have a memorable Rakhi celebration!
