Raksha Bandhan is a festival that symbolizes the sweetness and purity of the bond between a brother and sister. This festival is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Sawan month. This time, Raksha Bandhan falls on August 9, 2025. On this day, sisters tie a Rakhi on their brothers' wrists, taking a promise of protection from them and wishing them happiness and prosperity. However, with changing times, there have been many changes in Rakhis as well. Many types of attractive and fashionable Rakhis are available in the market, but some of these Rakhis are considered against tradition, religious beliefs, and auspicious effects for the brother.
Before selecting these Rakhis, it is important to know which Rakhis should be avoided on a sacred occasion like Raksha Bandhan.
Some Rakhis that Tamper with Religious Sentiments Can Be Inauspicious
Nowadays, many Rakhis have pictures of Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Ram, or Krishna on them. In some Rakhis, pictures of deities are decorated by sticking them on plastic, metal, or paper. These Rakhis look very beautiful to look at, but from a religious point of view, they are not considered auspicious.
Many times, the brother is unable to keep the Rakhi on his hand for a long time in everyday life or it accidentally falls in the wrong place. In such a situation, the picture of God on that Rakhi may be disrespected. In Hinduism, the idol or picture of God is kept with utmost reverence and purity. Therefore, the use of such Rakhis on Raksha Bandhan should be avoided.
Bracelet-like Rakhis are Suitable for Gifts, but Not as Raksha Sutra
Bracelet-style Rakhis are very popular in the market these days. Shiny beads, steel chains, artificial diamonds, and colorful plastic are used in them. These Rakhis are as far from tradition as they are stylish to look at.
Raksha Bandhan is not just about tying a decorative thread, but it is a religious ritual in which a sister prays for the long life and safety of her brother. In such a situation, tying a Rakhi like a bracelet or jewelry is neither in accordance with this tradition nor does it have any spiritual significance.
Also Avoid Rakhis with Evil Eye or Black Beads
Some Rakhis come in special designs to protect against evil eye, such as blue-colored eye i.e. 'Evil Eye' Rakhis. Many people consider them a way to protect against evil eye, but this design is a symbol of negative energy according to Vastu and religious beliefs. Tying such Rakhis as Raksha Sutra is not considered appropriate.
Similarly, black threads or black-colored Rakhis are also considered inauspicious colors. Black color is generally considered a symbol of mourning, negativity, and blockage of energy. Therefore, it is considered appropriate to stay away from this color on an auspicious day like Raksha Bandhan.
Avoid Rakhis Made of Plastic and Artificial Materials
Nowadays, plastic, synthetic threads, and other artificial decorative items are being used a lot in Rakhis. These Rakhis may look beautiful, but they are not considered correct from a religious and environmental point of view. Things made of plastic do not spoil quickly, which also makes it difficult to immerse the Rakhi.
Traditionally, Rakhi is made of pure silk, cotton thread, or mauli. These threads are natural and positive energy is also believed to be associated with them. Therefore, Rakhis made of traditional and pure materials are given priority.
Give Priority to Rakhis of Auspicious Colors
The color of Rakhi also indicates its auspiciousness. Yellow, red, green, and saffron colors are considered auspicious in Hindu culture. These colors are symbols of prosperity, energy, love, and good fortune. Therefore, special care should be taken of these colors while buying Rakhi.
Some Rakhis are completely black or brown in color. Even though these are modern designs, they do not have religious or spiritual significance. Because of this, Rakhis made of these colors are not seen as sacred Raksha Sutra.
Rakhi is Associated with Basic Emotions
Raksha Bandhan is not just a ritual, but the soul of the brother-sister relationship. Therefore, while celebrating this festival, more importance should be given to emotions than showiness. Rakhi is not just a decorative thread, but a symbol of faith, love, and blessings. In such a situation, it is important for sisters to keep in mind while selecting Rakhi that it is related to tradition, faith, and the well-being of the brother.
