Celebrate the bond of love
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and the bond of love between brother and sisters. This festival is celebrated every year. The word ‘Raksha’ in Hindi means protection, while ‘Bandhan’ is the verb to tie. On this day, sisters tie a Rakhi which is like a ‘bracelet’ on the wrists of their brothers to mark this bond of love. The brothers, in turn, give a gift which is a promise that they will protect their sisters from any harm. All pray for each other’s long life and happiness. The festival is mostly celebrated in Northern India and is one of the most significant festivals for Hindus.
Date of celebration this year: August 11, 2022
This festival unites brothers and sisters, marks their love, and this beautiful day is celebrated with enthusiasm. No matter if the siblings are together or not, sisters send Rakhi to their brothers in India as well as other parts of the world to be part of this lovely and thoughtful celebration. The month of Sravana is very auspicious in the Hindu calendar. Rakhi celebration makes this month more prominent in the calendar.
How do Indians in Canada celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Indians in Canada also celebrate this festival with a lot of zest and zeal. Many Indian markets and shops here get decorated with Rakhis and sweets. This festival is celebrated with full passion and devotion here. Apart from tying Rakhis to brothers, people also love visiting temples and gurdwaras. There are a lot of temples and religious places that you can visit on this auspicious day.
Temples to visit in the lower mainland
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir,
8321 140 St, Surrey, BC V3W 5K9
Hare Krishna Temple,
5462, Marine Drive, Burnaby
Places to buy Rakhi in Canada
Payal Business Center in Surrey is the best place to buy Rakhis and sweets. It is located at 128th Street & 82nd Ave in Surrey. It has a lot of restaurants and shops all of a kind, especially for Hindu festivities shopping. It is conveniently located and has a market which resembles a mini-Punjab or mini-India.
What are the best types of Rakhis available?
Auspicious Rakhi threads are best to be tied on the brother’s wrists. However, there are other Rakhis available in the market too. Some of which are gold-plated Rakhis while the others include:
- Rudraksha Rakhi
- Scented Rakhi
- Silver Bracelet Rakhi
- Bracelet style Rakhi
- Rakhi with God’s idol
- Swastika Rakhi
- Designer Rakhi
Which are the best Rakhi gifts for brothers in Canada?
Rakhi is usually coupled with dry fruits or sweets, Rakhi with Puja Thali, a box of chocolates, and more. They are some of the best Rakhi gift ideas for brothers in Canada for Raksha Bandhan 2022.
Also, you can take your siblings to a great brunch or lunch or surprise them with the things and food of their preference.
Canada International Student Magazine wishes you all a very Happy Raksha Bandhan 2022!