Happy Rakshabandhan: From virtual celebrations to elaborate family gatherings; here’s what the celebs are doing this rakhi!

Rakshabandha is here and only the fortunate ones get to celebrate this in person, says these celebs. As they make their Rakhi plans, here is why the festival matters to them so much!

Prince Dhiman
Raksha Bandhan is a such a special festival and only the fortunate ones get to celebrate this in person. I am going to miss my sister as she lives in Germany. Rakhi will be celebrated virtually. Every Rakshabhandan is best and special. I remember this one rakhi, I was like 12 or 13 years old and  I got a three-piece suit as gift and I was so happy about it  that first I changed into it and then celebrated Rakhi.

Rohit Bakshi
My childhood memories are from Delhi. Since I don't have a real sister, my masi's daughter and bua's daughter have been like sisters to me. During our childhood, when we visited their house, they would tie rakhi on my wrist. We would have lunch together, eat sweets, and enjoy each other's company. Now that I'm in Mumbai, they make it a point to send me rakhi and tikka every year. I apply the tikka myself on the occasion. In terms of gifts, my parents would give me money, which I would then give to my 'Didis' (older sisters), and in return, they would give me chocolates, making me happy. As I grew older, they started giving me cash too, so I could buy things I wanted. I miss them dearly during Rakshabandhan.

Celesti Bairagey 
I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and excitement. This festival holds a special place in my heart . Although I'm currently living in Mumbai and not with my family, I plan to celebrate Raksha Bandhan virtually with them. I'm planning a surprise gift delivery to my brother back home. It's a little something to remind him of our bond and to show him how much I miss being there in person.  I feel blessed to have a brother who is not just family, but also a friend and confidant. And about the gifts, honestly, the best gifts are those unexpected moments and surprises that leave us both wondering what we were thinking at the time! Whether it was a thoughtful gesture or something that made us laugh, those are the memories that truly stand out for both of us.

Hansa Singh
Rakshabandhan has always been special to me because I get to tie Rakhi to my little brother. However, since he lives in Dubai, it’s often difficult. So, my sister usually takes it upon herself to buy and send Rakhi to him. But this year, my brother will be in India! So, I am traveling to celebrate it with him and the family. For me, this is as epic as it gets. Even though he is younger, Rakhi means that he has to give gifts! I will be in Jaipur.

Nitin Goswami
For Raksha Bandhan, my plan this year is special. Since I've been in Mumbai for the past 11-12 years, I haven't been able to go home during Raksha Bandhan. My sister, Nidhi Goswami Manoja, always sends me a Rakhi by post . This time, however, there is a chance that I'll be in Uttar Pradesh, in Mathura-Vrindavan, for my show's shooting around August 19-20. If that's the case, I might be able to meet my sister there, and she can tie the Rakhi on me in person, or my mom might bring it. Usually, I receive the Rakhi by post, and when it comes to gifts, I know she likes dresses, so I try to choose gifts she would like, such as shades. She also sends me diet foods that I enjoy, so she knows what I like and sends those as well.

Rashmi Gupta 
On Rakhi day, we start by waking up early to tie a rakhi on my brother's wrist, a tradition that strengthens our bond. We enjoy a hearty traditional meal together, savouring the special flavors of the day. I gave him a gold ring, the best gift I've ever given, symbolising my love and appreciation. We also plan a surprise outing or dinner to make the day even more memorable. It's all about thoughtful gestures that show you care.  

Manmohan Tiwari
Raksha Bandhan is very special to us, especially for brothers. It is even more special for our sisters. We are a total of 22 or 23 siblings(including cousins). We live in a combined family(joint Family) in Rishikesh. Although each household now has its own kitchen, we still live close to each other and meet regularly. Among the 9 sisters, each one gets their share of enjoyment. Since there are also 12 or 13 brothers, sisters get a share of gifts and money. Raksha Bandhan is a big, special, and exciting day for us. For instance, I love matar pulao, and all my sisters would make it for me. Three of my sisters would prepare matar pulao, while others might make kadhi rice or sweets, according to their family traditions. The festivities were elaborate, and there was always a lot of spending involved. The love among our siblings is very strong and continues to be so even today. Since childhood, Raksha Bandhan has been a day of overeating for me, and it still is. Nowadays, since I cannot visit everyone regularly, I make it a point to visit at least one of my sisters. My own sister is in Bangalore, and I will be going there to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with her. I will also connect with my other sisters via video calls, send them Raksha Bandhan-related gifts through Paytm, and offer my greetings and sweets. They always send me rakhis, so that’s the story of our celebration.