Raksha Bandhan: Bond of love... Bond of togetherness....

Raksha means protection, and in some places in medieval India, where women felt unsafe, they tie Rakhi on the wrist of men, regarding them as brothers. In this way, Rakhi strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters and revives the emotional bonding. And the beauty of the festival lies in the idea that sisters pray for the success and prosperity of their brothers, while brothers take a vow to protect their sisters.

Every festival observed in India is a sum-up of special elements. In Diwali, it is the oil lamps, crackers, sweets, new attires, etc. whereas Holi is a festival composed of colours. Along with sacred thread, Rakhi thali also holds a special significance on this festival which includes several basic puja items decorated beautifully. It includes a diya, roli, rice, sweets, and Rakhi. These thalis are adorned wonderfully conveying a sister’s respect and honour for her brother. City First brings to you the significance of these elements! The Pooja Thali is decorated with pearls and ornated with colourful designer Rakhis and other ingredients to ward off negativity and bad omen. Nowadays, either you can make your own Pooja Ki Thali or shop online Rakhi with Pooja thali; there are plenty of websites that offer beautiful and alluring Thali under an affordable price range. But if you are keen to prepare the Thali on your own, then these are the essential components a Raksha Bandhan thali must have:

AKSHATA (RICE)
Akshata is a Sanskrit word that means “Something which is not broken,” another name for Lord Shiva. Akshata is uncooked, unbroken rice mixed with turmeric and is considered one of the most important ingredients known to bring prosperity and fertility.

KUMKUM AND KESAR
Kumkum has a unique role in all Indian holy events; in the Vaishnava, Tilaka is the symbol of the Lotus feet of Param-aatma (Divine God) and the Kumkum symbolizes the Bhakta( devotee). Kumkum is one of the best remedies and can be used in headaches; it relaxes the muscles and gives instant relief.

DIYA OR INCENSE STICK
Diya is very important and has a special place in Hinduism. It is the significance of purity, good omen, and power. It is said that light means the non-existence of dark(Evil). And Diya was first lightened when Sri Rama visited Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, a symbol of joy and happiness.

SWEETS
Sweets are called “Mithai,” it is a symbol of happiness and sweetness that we spread among family, friends, and relatives. Firstly the sweets are offered to the Goddess Lakshmi with pure devotion. And later, it is distributed among all the members as Prasad in the form of blessings from the Goddess.

FRUITS OR NARIYAL
The three dots on the Nariyal symbolize the three eyes of Lord Shiva, and thus coconut is termed as auspicious in the Puja ceremony. Also, the devotees pay special tribute to God to get a child by offering Nariyal to Lord Rudra. You can also use bananas and offer them to the Lord to get blessings.

MOLI DHAGA
Moli dhaga, also termed as Kalawa, is a holy Hindu thread tied by the priest on the wrists of all the attendees of the Puja ceremony to get the blessings of God. It is also believed that the wrist vein controls our body, so if you tie Moli on the wrist, it helps us regulate our blood circulation.

KALASH WITH WATER
The Kalasha is believed to have Amrita, the elixir of life. Also, the Kalasha or metal pot represents material things that contain fertility- the earth and the womb, which nourish our life. And as per Hindu tradition Goddess, Lakshmi holds Kalasha in her hand shows wisdom and abundance.

BETEL-NUT (PAAN-SUPARI)
Betel nut helps us invoke the blessings of Lord Ganapati and Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that keeping a copper vessel filled with Ganga water, along with the betel nut and some coins, as an offering in a temple, helps get all our wishes fulfilled soon. The holy Nut is encapsulated by the Moli dhaga and placed on Betelleaf.

RAKHIS FOR BOTH BHAIYA AND BHABHI
Rakhi is not just a thread; the sacred thread shows an unbreakable long-lasting sibling bond. Why just a Rakhi for brother, we have beautiful chooda (Bangle) rakhi for our dear bhabhis too. Customised Gifts: Nowadays people love experimenting with gifts. Not just brothers gift something to their sisters but the other way round too is happening quite a lot. After all, it’s about cherishing moments forever!