Read about the origin, history and celebration of Raksha Bandhan in United Arab Emirates.
Fundoo Times: Festivals: Raksha Bandhan: Raksha Bandhan in United Arab Emirates

Raksha Bandhan in United Arab Emirates

Origin and History of Raksha Bandhan in United Arab Emirates

Raksha bandhan is a Hindu festival which is observed by Indians staying in UAE. It is celebrated on the full moon during the month of Shraavana. Hence the dates of celebrations vary from year to year. The occasion illustrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival is celebrated by tying a sacred thread on the wrist of brothers. The sisters pray for the well being and happiness of their brothers. Raksha means protection and bandhan means bond. Hence the festival marks the bond between brother-sister relationships. Rakhi need not be tied only to a blood brother. Girls tie it to their cousins or good friends. On this occasion siblings traditionally feed each other with sweets.

Local name: Raksha Bandhan

Ways to celeberate Raksha Bandhan in United Arab Emirates

On this auspicious day, people take bath and get ready before day break. They wear new clothes and gather for worshipping. Later, sisters perform aarti and apply tika on their brother’s forehead. They tie rakhi and pray for his long healthy life. They feed each other with sweets to mark the occasion. In return, brothers pamper their sisters by giving beautiful gifts. The men also promise to safeguard and stand by their sisters side under any circumstance. After the ritual, families get together and enjoy the day. They share delicious food and tasty sweets prepared for the occasion. Everybody dance and send each other gifts to remember the time spent together. Those who stay away from their families express their love and care by sending e-mails, e-cards, rakhi greeting cards and rakhi through the Internet.