History of Raksha Bandhan and Gift Ideas to Celebrate

A simple thread or colorfully decorated Rakhi on a man's wrist on the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan can only mean one thing, that he has a loving sister who loves and cares for him no matter what the situation is and that he in turn has promise to protect her life long.

It is not the ceremony, customs and traditions that change over the time but it is only the celebration styles and viewpoints that become modern. For the centuries the Rakhi festival has been celebrated in the same way and with same enthusiasm.

Raksha Bandhan in History: In India, there are many legends associated with the festival of Rakhi. Different heroes in Indian mythology and history with whom Rakhis are associated are:
. Indra, 2. Yudhishtra, 3. Alexander The Great and King Puru, 4. Rani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun.

Tips for Rakhi & Rakhi Gift Ideas: In India, Rakhi celebrations begin a month before the festival. To make this Rakhi day special and unique in it-self, one can find some fantastic Rakhi gift ideas mentioned below. Whether brother or sister, young or old, these Rakhi gift ideas are perfect, easily available in market/ online and economical for all.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Brothers: For Chote Bhaiyas, gift ideas like video games, toys, games CDs, cartoons, chocolates and other confectionery. For brothers who love to sport a style statement some trendy gifts will do a lot. One can go in for goggles, mobile phones, mobile cases, perfumes and deodorants, fashionable watches and belts. A bracelet style Silver or Gold Rakhi will also be appreciated by them. For Elder and Sober Brothers an executive shirt, organizers, portfolio bags, designer pens, ties and cuff links will be perfect Rakhi gift idea.

For Brothers who are in school or colleges you can gift things which will be benefit for them like good reference book, nice novels, interesting CDs, etc. For married brothers you can go for household gifts like nice paintings, crockery items, handcrafted gift ideas, Sweet box, dry fruits will do a lot.

Rakhi Gift Ideas for Sisters: For sisters who are fond of jewelry - Gift them some nice jewelry like pedants, rings, earrings, necklaces or even if your budget doesn't suits above mentioned gift ideas then artificial jewelry is the craze all over the world. You can get it from online too. For fashion conscious sisters beaded and mirrored bags, handcrafted bags, fashion accessories, nice perfumes, fancy tops, ethnic jewelries, apparels are exciting and wonderful gift ideas.

For little girls love to receive cute and huggable teddy bears, soft toys, chocolates, or some nice stationery items and last but not the least for married sisters there are always some household gifts like paintings, handicrafts, crockery items, wall hangings. And even perfumes and jewelry are other choices from which you can decide your Rakhi gifts.

Rakhi Return Gift Traditions: Goddess Laxmi tied rakhi to Raja Bali and he in turn fulfilled her wish to return to her abode with Narayana. Humayun reached out to help Rani Karmawati accepting her Rakhi. And thus, sending Rakhi Return Gifts are a part of the Rakhi traditions. The Rakhi Return Gifts are in-fact the acceptance of the sisterly love. Another good reason for sending the return gifts on Rakhi is that sisters come to their parents and brothers house. As a tradition, she has to be bestowed with gifts when she is going back.

In early days brothers used to give cash to sisters as return gifts. But now-a-days gift articles are sent as Rakhi Return Gifts. Return Gifts can be anything from apparels to electronic goods and cosmetics to jewelry. Even flowers, chocolates, sweets, toys are considered as a perfect return gifts

On emotional side you can send something that reminds you of the childhood days, the fun filled, carefree, naughty times spent together. All one needs is just to keep in mind the tastes and interests of sisters and brothers while sending Rakhi Gifts. Remember to send gifts with sweets, cards or chocolates. Sweet accompaniments are always essentials of any festival celebration.

So, celebrate this wonderful festival of Raksha Bandhan with your friends, brothers, sisters and friends and wish the well being and prosperity of all your loved ones.