Traditional Rakhi Styles

Rakhi festival is considered among the most auspicious occasions in India that commemorates the unconditional bond of affection, care and respect between brothers and sisters. Bring celebrated from time immemorial to the present times, the festival of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi has always been traditional in style of celebrations i.e. the tying of Rakhi (Raksha or protection) thread on the wrist of brother by sister and this ritual is followed by special pooja ceremony seeking divine blessings and well being for each other.

Developments in Rakhi Designs
The traditional rakhi style that is associated with the simple fragile 'thread', 'dora', 'dhaga', 'mouli' or 'kalwa', in the modern days has transformed itself into a trendy, fashionable and more elegant in looks. When the dora Rakhi began to look too simple a tuft of cotton or silk was made to work as the base or centre piece. The size of Rakhi was increased and it was made more flashy by using silver or golden paper cut in the shape of flowers and other traditional decorative.

Later, people began to realize that the size of these Rakhis made them inconvenient for the wearer and was difficult to be sent by post. This made Rakhi designer innovative smaller and more artistic Rakhi designs. Technical improvement made available better better raw materials for Rakhi like zari, beads, stones, better quality fabric and thread for the making of Rakhi bands and Rakhi artisans made full use of it to make more stylish Rakhi and conventional Rakhi Threads. Soon designs in the form of `Om', the auspicious Swastika and others symbols began to be woven into the tuft. Then came the 'Zari' Rakhis, flower designs, plastic and sponge ones.

Traditional Rakhi in Trend
Today, the Rakhis have undergone major transformation and are available in unbelievable variety and trendy styles. Bracelets Rakhi, Silver Rakhi, Musical Rakhi, Currency Rakhi, Gold Rakhi Silver Rakhi, Charm Rakhi, Diamond Rakhi etc incorporate the popular trends in Rakhi. Yet it is interesting to note that the traditional styles of Rakhi still retain their magical charm and aura. Sisters consider the conventional Rakhis and Rakhi Threads as sacred thread of love that will protect their brothers from all hardships. Similarly, the traditional Lumba is tied around bhabhi's wrist to sweeten relations with her.

Popular Styles in Traditional Rakhis
Keeping in mind the sentimental attachment of sisters with traditional Rakhis and Rakhis threads, Rakhi designers have retained the conventional designs and beautifully given them a trendy new style. Popular styles in traditional Rakhis include: