Threads of Love, Threads of Tradition: How different Indian states celebrate Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, like many Indian festivals, is celebrated with immense love, exciting rituals, and delicious food– but not in the same way everywhere. While the core idea remains the same– honouring the bond between siblings– the way it’s observed changes significantly depending on where you are in the country.

In some places, it’s tied to religious customs, in others, to agricultural practices or coastal traditions. From rituals for the sea god to prayers in temples and even cattle worship, Raksha Bandhan beautifully blends into the local identity of each region– and that’s what makes it more than just a family affair.


Here’s a look at how different Indian states bring their own flavour to this sacred celebration.



Disclaimer: The festival traditions mentioned are based on commonly available online reports and cultural references. Customs may vary across regions and communities. The Times of India does not claim these as definitive or endorse any particular version.

In Gujarat, Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated as Pavitropana, a day of prayers to Lord Shiva. People visit temples, offering water, milk, and prayers, believing it helps wash away past sins and start afresh. Along with these rituals, sisters still tie rakhis to their brothers, adding a spiritual touch to the day.

In Maharashtra’s coastal areas, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated along with Narali Purnima. On this day, the Koli fishing community offers coconuts to the sea, marking the end of the monsoon and the start of a new fishing season. Families cook coconut-based dishes like narali bhaat (sweet coconut rice), and prayers are offered to Lord Varun, the god of the oceans, for safety and good fortune in the months ahead.

In Uttarakhand, especially among Brahmin families, Raksha Bandhan is marked by changing the sacred thread (janeu). Known as Janopunyu or Jandhyam Purnima, this ceremony symbolises renewing one’s spiritual vows. It’s a day that combines family bonding with spiritual reflection.

In Odisha, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated along with Gamha Purnima, a festival dedicated to cattle. Farmers bathe, decorate, and worship cows and bullocks to thank them for their role in farming. Special dishes like pitha (made with rice and coconut) are prepared, making the day a mix of sibling love and gratitude towards the animals that support rural life.

In many Marwari and Rajasthani families, Raksha Bandhan comes with the tradition of Lumba Rakhi. Here, women tie a rakhi not only to their brothers but also to the bangles of their brothers’ wives. This comes from the belief that a sister-in-law plays an equally important role in keeping family bonds strong. It’s a way to honour her and bring the extended family closer.

In West Bengal, Raksha Bandhan falls on the last day of Jhulan Yatra, a celebration of Lord Krishna and Radha. Deities are placed on beautifully decorated swings (jhulas), especially in ISKCON temples like Mayapur, where devotees gather for kirtans and offerings, according to a report by the Economic Times. The swings represent joy and devotion, and the day ends with lively festivities.