From Pavitropana to Salano: How rakhi is celebrated differently in Gujarat, Bengal, Tamil Nadu and the rest of India
Nancy Jaiswal | Aug 07, 2025, 16:06 IST
Highlight of the story: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated across India with rituals and regional twists that reflect its cultural diversity from coconuts in Maharashtra to Vedic chants in Tamil Nadu, devotional songs in Bengal, and kite-flying in Haryana.
Raksha Bandhan, observed in the month of Shravana, sheds light on the bond between siblings, especially brothers and sisters. While the traditional tying of a sacred thread (rakhi) by sisters and the vow of protection from brothers remain central, the festival takes on different hues across Indian states. These variations are rooted in regional customs, mythology, and community beliefs.
In Gujarat, Rakhi coincides with the festival of Pavitropana, when devotees offer prayers and water to Lord Shiva. Temples see large gatherings, and the focus is on seeking forgiveness and spiritual cleansing.
In Maharashtra and Goa, the day overlaps with Nariyal Purnima, which marks the beginning of the fishing season. Coastal communities offer coconuts to Varuna, the sea god, as a ritual for prosperity. Families celebrate Raksha Bandhan alongside, with sisters tying rakhi and households preparing festive dishes like puran poli.
In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Raksha Bandhan is observed as Avani Avittam, particularly by Brahmins. The day is marked by ritual bathing and donning of the Janeu, a sacred thread worn across the torso. It is considered a time for atonement.
In Karnataka and other Telugu-speaking regions, daughters tie rakhis to their fathers, a custom that highlights a broader familial bond. The day is also marked by special meals featuring payasam and vada. Scholars often begin their study of the Yajur Veda on this occasion.
In Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, the day is widely referred to as Jhulan Purnima, dedicated to Radha and Krishna. Festivities include singing devotional songs, dancing, and the traditional rakhi-tying ceremony.
In Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the festival is known as Kajari or Sharavani. It holds significance for women and farming communities, tying in with agricultural cycles and local customs.
Northern states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar celebrate Raksha Bandhan with elaborate home gatherings. Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, and tie the rakhi. Traditional sweets such as laddu, barfi, and jalebi are commonly prepared.
Despite its different expressions, Raksha Bandhan maintains a consistent theme across regions: the reaffirmation of love, protection, and shared culture between siblings and beyond. From sacred dips and temple offerings to songs, sweets, and community ties, the festival brings India's cultural diversity into sharp focus.
Western India: Rituals, coconuts, and puran poli
In Gujarat, Rakhi coincides with the festival of Pavitropana, when devotees offer prayers and water to Lord Shiva. Temples see large gatherings, and the focus is on seeking forgiveness and spiritual cleansing.
From Pavitropana to Salan
In Maharashtra and Goa, the day overlaps with Nariyal Purnima, which marks the beginning of the fishing season. Coastal communities offer coconuts to Varuna, the sea god, as a ritual for prosperity. Families celebrate Raksha Bandhan alongside, with sisters tying rakhi and households preparing festive dishes like puran poli.
Southern India: Vedic rituals and family ties
In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Raksha Bandhan is observed as Avani Avittam, particularly by Brahmins. The day is marked by ritual bathing and donning of the Janeu, a sacred thread worn across the torso. It is considered a time for atonement.
From Pavitropana to Salan
In Karnataka and other Telugu-speaking regions, daughters tie rakhis to their fathers, a custom that highlights a broader familial bond. The day is also marked by special meals featuring payasam and vada. Scholars often begin their study of the Yajur Veda on this occasion.
Eastern India: Devotion, festivals and rural significance
In Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, the day is widely referred to as Jhulan Purnima, dedicated to Radha and Krishna. Festivities include singing devotional songs, dancing, and the traditional rakhi-tying ceremony.
In Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the festival is known as Kajari or Sharavani. It holds significance for women and farming communities, tying in with agricultural cycles and local customs.
From Pavitropana to Salan
Northern India: Rituals, sweets and flying kites
Northern states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar celebrate Raksha Bandhan with elaborate home gatherings. Sisters perform aarti, apply tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, and tie the rakhi. Traditional sweets such as laddu, barfi, and jalebi are commonly prepared.
From Pavitropana to Salan
Despite its different expressions, Raksha Bandhan maintains a consistent theme across regions: the reaffirmation of love, protection, and shared culture between siblings and beyond. From sacred dips and temple offerings to songs, sweets, and community ties, the festival brings India's cultural diversity into sharp focus.