5 Essential Elements of a Raksha Bandhan Thali
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates, strengthens and worships the bond that exists between a brother and his sister. According to ancient customs and rules, it is celebrated on the first Purnima or full moon of the month of Shravana in the Hindu calendar. During Raksha Bandhan, the sister has to tie a sacred thread around her brother’s wrist to protect him from all sorts of dangers and peril. In turn, the brother must take an unspoken but implied vow to protect his beloved sister from any and all danger no matter what.
As per mythology, there are many origin stories about the origin of Raksha Bandhan. In Hindu Mythology, one of the most poignant and favorite stories is the one which involves Lord Krishna and Draupadi. According to the Mahabharata, while Krishna was working in the fields, he injured his finger and it started to bleed. Draupadi who was nearby tore off a shard of cloth from her Saree and tied it on Krishna’s bleeding finger.
Overcome with gratitude, Lord Krishna called Draupadi his dear sister and vowed to come to her assistance whenever she was in need of it. Later, during her vastraharan, she prayed for his protection. Krishna immediately saved her and her honors in front of the Kauravas.
Most siblings of today’s generation live far away from each other in different cities. However, that has not diluted the love they have for each other in any way.
Actually, it has strengthened and reinvigorated their bond. If your brother lives abroad, you can buy online Rakhi to gift to him. These sites also have on sale Rakhi Gift Hampers.
These hampers include Rakhi with dry fruits , Rakhi with chocolates, Rakhi with toys etc. Not only do some amazing sites offer Rakhis, but they also offer amazing thalis. These thalis are amazingly decorated and are sure to make your brother feel like you are right there tying a rakhi on his wrist. On the other hand, if you are want to set up the Rakhi Thali yourself then here are 5 essential elements of a Raksha Bandhan Thali.
• The Thali Base: As it goes without saying, the most important element of the Raksha Bandhan Thali is the Thali itself. Traditionally, these thalis are made of brass or silver which are auspicious metals and alloys. If you want to do something different, then you can go for a thali which is inlaid with auspicious designs or mantras. This will be the basis for your ceremony.
• Roli: One of the main elements of a Raksha Bandhan Thali is the Roli. It is the vermillion powder which is kept in a small container. This powder is very auspicious and you must apply it on your brother’s forehead while you tie the thread. The containers that are available when you buy Rakhi online are very beautiful.
• Chawal: Chawal or raw rice is very auspicious in the Hindu religion and is an integral part of all religious ceremonies. It is used in weddings, Raksha Bandhan and even during the last rites of a person. A small heap of unbroken white rice is kept on the thali.
• Kalash with Water: A small golden kalash is filled with water and kept in the thali. A kalash filled with water is a Hindu symbol of prosperity and abundance. The water from the Kalash is used to make a paste of roli. This is used for making the tilak.
• Rakhi: Finally, the integral part of the thali is the Rakhi itself. Nowadays, you can buy Rakhi online at amazing prices and be offered a wide variety. There are designer Rakhis, Gold Rakhis, Gemstone Embedded Rakhis and even cartoon Rakhis for your younger brothers.
