**Bhubaneswar: ** Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi Poornima is a festival celebrating the most beautiful relationship in an inseparable bond of love and trust. It symbolises the love and well wishes of a sister for the well-being of her brother and the life-long vow of a brother to protect his sister from all evils.
The ritual of Rakhi tying has become so important that come what may, brothers and sisters try to visit each other place, even cousins and distant family members on this particular day in order to bring back the oneness of the family, binding the family together in an emotional bond of love. To many, the festival transcends biological family, brings together men and women across religions, diverse ethnic groups and ritually emphasizes harmony and love.
It is celebrated on the full moon day of ‘Shravana’ month in Hindu calendar, which mostly falls in August every year.
Everyone start preparing for this festival much in advance. About a month before the commencement of raksha bandhan, you can see fancy and colorful rakhis in every market. Girls start shopping for rakhi and rakhi gifts quite early. They shop for new clothes and beautiful rakhi gifts specially the one that have to be sent to their brothers staying far. Almost every shop, be it sweet shops, garment shops, gift shops, or any other shop, all are flooded with attractive rakhi gifts to attract people.
“I look forward for this festival for the whole year and enjoy it to the fullest. As I am the single child of my parents, I tie rakhis to my cousins, neighbours, and love the colourful environment of this special day,” said Bijaylaxmi, a young girl of the smart city.
“I am very excited for this day. There are so many rakhis to choose from, and I even look forward for the gifts to be given to me by my brothers,” chirped Priyanka.