Raksha Bandhan: Discover dates, traditions, and gifts

Did you know? In the US and Canada, they celebrate Siblings Day on April 10, and in Europe, it’s Brothers and Sisters Day on May 31. These special days are all about celebrating the unique bond between siblings and have been around since the 90s. 

But guess what? India has its own vibrant version of Siblings Day, and it’s been celebrated for ages! Raksha Bandhan (also known as Rakhi) isn’t just a festival; it’s a grand celebration of sibling love that’s cherished far and wide.  

Whether you’re experiencing this festive vibe for the first time or you’re a seasoned celebrator looking for ideas on “How to surprise my sister on Rakshabandhan,” we’ve got your back! 

When is Raksha Bandhan? 

Raksha Bandhan is usually celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravana, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This typically falls in August, though the exact date can change slightly each year based on the moon’s cycle. 

So, when is Raksha Bandhan this year? 

In 2024, be sure to mark your calendars for Raksha Bandhan on Monday, August 19th. It’s the perfect occasion to celebrate sibling love and indulge in some delightful festivities! 

What is Raksha Bandhan?  

Now that we’ve introduced Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, as a celebration of the special bond between siblings, let’s break down the meaning behind the name.  “Raksha” translates to protection, and “bandhan” means bond. These terms aren’t just chosen at random — they’re rooted in rich Hindu mythology, which we’ll explore next! 

Why Raksha Bandhan is celebrated?

Ever wonder why Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in India? And most importantly, who started Raksha Bandhan? 

Raksha Bandhan has its roots in an ancient story from the Hindu epic, The Mahabharata, featuring Krishna and Draupadi. Krishna, a much-loved deity in Hinduism, shared a special bond with Draupadi. 

The legend goes that Krishna once injured his finger, and Draupadi, in a kind gesture, tore a piece of her saree to bandage it. Moved by her act, Krishna promised to protect Draupadi whenever she needed help. True to his word, Krishna came to her rescue during difficult times. This beautiful act of protection and care inspired the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates this unique bond. 

What happens on Raksha Bandhan? 

Now that we’ve covered how Raksha Bandhan celebrates the special bond between siblings, you might be wondering, “What happens on Raksha Bandhan?” 

On this special day, sisters tie colourful bracelets or threads around their brothers’ wrists and offer prayers for their long and prosperous lives. In return, brothers give their sisters tokens of love and make a heartfelt promise to protect them always. It’s a joyful exchange of affection and a sincere pledge of sibling support! 

How to surprise my sister on Rakshabandhan? 

Celebrating Raksha Bandhan every year can make finding new ways to surprise your sister quite the challenge! 

Many people turn to online communities and content sites for fresh ideas on “How to surprise my sister on Rakshabandhan.”  

For those living abroad or separated from siblings, missing out on celebrating Rakhi together makes planning the perfect surprise even tougher. 

Sure, you could always surprise her by showing up at her doorstep. But let’s face it — flight prices and work schedules don’t always cooperate. 

That’s why we’ve gathered some fantastic gift ideas to help you make this Raksha Bandhan special for your sister! 

What to gift a sister on Raksha Bandhan?

These ideas are just the beginning — they’re just the spark to ignite your creativity for Raksha Bandhan gifts! 

Online shopping voucher 

Give her the gift of choice with an online shopping voucher from her favourite store. This way, she can pick out something she truly loves and have it delivered right to her door.   

If you want to keep it a surprise, you might need to do a bit of sleuthing to find out her go-to online shopping spot.  

So, are you on Team Practical or Team Surprises? 

Customised care package 

Put together a care package filled with items that bring back memories of home or hold sentimental value. Think favourite childhood snacks, nostalgic trinkets, and a heartfelt handwritten letter. Just remember, there might be rules about shipping food from your country to hers. Your best bet? Use an online care package service in her area and send it her way. 

Subscription service 

Netflix getting pricey? No worries! Gift her a subscription to something she loves, whether it’s a book club, magazine, or any entertainment service that fits her interests. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! 

Wellness package 

Life’s hectic, so treat her to a wellness package with scented candles, bath salts, a cozy blanket, or even a spa gift card to help her unwind. Self-care never goes out of style! 

Order from her location 

Send her something special from her own backyard — whether it’s cupcakes, chocolates, or a vegan cookbook, order it locally and have it delivered right to her door. No stress about shipping delays or missed delivery dates, just pure joy! 

Send her some cash 

If all else fails, send her a little cash. It’s practical, it’s easy, and it lets her choose exactly what she wants. Sometimes, the simplest gifts are the best! 

Thinking of sending some cash to your sister this Rakhi?  

Here are some fun ways to make sure she gets the most out of your money transfer, whether it’s your first year away or you’re a seasoned expat: 

• Bank transfer: It’s a classic choice, secure and reliable for larger sums, but it can be a tad pricey compared to other options. 
• Money transfer providers: These often offer lower fees and similar security. They’re great for keeping costs down while ensuring your money gets where it needs to go. 
• Cheques and money orders: Old-school, but still a valid option if your sister prefers a more tangible form of gift. 

Before you hit send, keep these tips in mind: 

• Fees: Watch out for those sneaky transaction charges! 
• Transfer amount: Make sure your provider can handle the amount you want to send. 
• Exchange rate: Compare rates to avoid losing out to conversion fees. 
• Transfer speed: Decide if you need to send it fast or can wait a bit for a better deal. 

Sending money overseas doesn’t have to be complicated. With these tips, you can make sure your Raksha Bandhan gift arrives just in time to bring a smile to her face! 

Here’s an even better idea: Send money overseas with Instarem! 

Worried about those pesky fees? Instarem offers competitive exchange rates close to the mid-market rate and keeps their transfer fees transparent and reasonable. That means more money for your loved ones without the extra costs! 

*rates are for display purposes only.

Your thoughtful gesture will make the special occasion even more memorable. 

Give Instarem a try for your next transfer and send your warm wishes for a joyous festive season! 

Ready to make your sister smile? Download the Instarem app or sign up here and start sending today!  

Frequently asked questions 

Is Raksha Bandhan a bank holiday? 

Yes it is. But to be on the safe side, it’s always a good idea to check with local banks before you kick off your money transfer. When in doubt, sending your cash a bit earlier is the way to go. While it might not solve the mystery of “How to surprise my sister on Rakshabandhan”,” at least your thoughtful gift won’t arrive fashionably late!