Ah, Rakhi! The festival of siblings, love, and, of course, the age-old question: which hand does the rakhi go on? If you’ve ever found yourself in the midst of this delightful Indian festival, chances are you’ve pondered over this enigma. Fear not, dear reader, for we’re here to unravel the mystery once and for all!
Picture this: it’s Raksha Bandhan morning, the scent of sweets lingering in the air, excitement bubbling in your heart. You’ve got your rakhi ready, the perfect symbol of your affection for your sibling. But wait, which hand do you tie it on? Left? Right? Or maybe even the pinky toe for good measure? Okay, maybe not the last one, but you get the gist!
Let’s dive into the age-old tradition and see what the fuss is all about. Tradition dictates that the rakhi is tied on the right wrist of the brother. Why, you ask? Well, legend has it that the right hand is where all the good stuff happens. It’s associated with strength, responsibility, and protection. So, when you tie that sacred thread on your brother’s right wrist, you’re essentially saying, “Hey, I trust you to protect me and be there for me no matter what!” It’s like a friendship bracelet but with a whole lot more sentiment.
But hold your horses, because there’s a twist in this tale! Some folks swear by tying the rakhi on the left wrist instead. Why, you ask again? Well, because tradition isn’t always set in stone. Some families have their own customs and rituals, and if left works better for them, who are we to argue?
In the end, it’s not about which hand the rakhi goes on; it’s about the bond it represents. Whether it’s left, right, or even tied to the family pet (okay, maybe not that last one), what truly matters is the love and affection shared between siblings.
So, the next time Raksha Bandhan rolls around, don’t fret over left or right. Instead, focus on the laughter, the memories, and maybe sneakily stealing an extra piece of mithai when no one’s looking. After all, that’s what Rakhi is all about – celebrating the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters, no matter which hand the rakhi ends up on.
Author: Amit Gupta
Amit Gupta is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of Indian.Community. Based in Atlanta, USA, he enjoys spending time with his family and serving the Indian diaspora. Amit is also the host of the Indian Community Podcast, where he explores stories and insights that connect and empower the global Indian diaspora.
