While I was putting together the Raksha Bandhan Mini Kit I was super excited to share with my daughter all the fun memories of celebrating Rakhi as a kid with my brother. A lot of parents struggle to introduce their kids to Indian culture and traditions. As a single child it's an even harder concept for my daughter to get excited about though we have been fortunate enough to celebrate with her cousins multiple times. I have put together a quick list to help you celebrate the perfect Raksha Bandhan this year with your little ones.
What is Raksha Bandhan?
Rakhi is a festival of love and protection between brothers and sisters. It happens on a full moon day in August. Sisters tie a special thread called a Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists. Brothers promise to look after their sisters and give them Rakhi gifts. This is truly the essence of Rakhi in a nutshell, and this is what my mom would tell me each year and what I tell my daughter now.
During my childhood I remember looking forward to Raksha Bandhan for the gift I would receive each year. As we grew older my brother moved to a boarding school and eventually away to college. Rakhi became a short handwritten note mailed in an envelope with a simple colorful Rakhi. This is what I have continued to do for many years but when my daughter was born, I didn't want her to miss out on the fun of any Indian festival. Every year she crafts a Rakhi and mails it to her cousin in the UK and waits patiently for her gift to arrive. Just a few weeks ago she asked me what the next festival was and when I told her it was Raksha Bandhan she jumped with joy at the thought of making a Rakhi for her cousin and doing Raksha Bandhan crafts with me.
Rakhi is also a fun day for the whole family. Here are some things that we do on a regular basis each year to make it more fun for our family in the US and I hope that will make your celebrations more fun too:
You can use threads, beads, or anything you like to make your own rakhis. You can also make rakhis for your siblings, cousins or even friends to show them how much you love them. This is a fun party activity too and given the mix and match nature, kids will be guaranteed to be kept busy for a long time. If you are looking for something quick, checkout this Raksha Bandhan Mini Kit.
2. Make some yummy treats
What Indian festival is complete without something sweet? You can make some traditional sweets or some new ones like cupcakes or cookies. Get the whole family involved to make it extra special. We usually end up baking together. If you are looking for a festive muffin recipe checkout this post!
3. Decorate your home
While I feel like I'm constantly cleaning up after a 6-year-old, I do think that on festivals it makes it even more special to decorate our home together. You can use flowers, lights, or even balloons. You can also make some crafts like paper lanterns, garlands, or cards together as a family.
4. Read Books
Storytime is a ritual we cherish every night. A few Raksha Bandhan book recommendations:
- Thread of Love by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal
- Amma Tell Me About Raksha Bandhan by Bhakti Mathur
- It's That Time of Year! Raksha Bandhan is Here! by Vanessa Kapadia
- My Raksha Bandhan: Promise to Protect by Priya Kumari & Komal Garg
- Bracelets for Bina's Brother by Rajani LaRocca
- Raashi's Rakhis: A New Celebration of Raksha Bandhan by Steetal Sheth.
5. Do fun crafts together
Spending time together is a priority for me, not just for Raksha Bandhan but all celebrations. It is the perfect way to cultivate cultural curiosity and creates the best environment to encourage children to ask questions and learn about Indian culture and traditions. Check out some FREE Downloads here to get you started.
I know living in the US and raising kids comes with a lot of challenges and to help families make celebrating culture and traditions easy I have created the perfect combination of crafts and art projects for your children this Raksha Bandhan. Start crafting and making memories instead of having to worry and stress about all the supply ordering and organizing. Be the Pinterest mom you always wanted to be! Order Here!
Raksha Bandhan is a great festival to show your love for your brothers, sisters, cousins and friends. It is also a chance to have some fun with your family and friends and make lifelong memories. Pink Burfi wishes you a very Happy Raksha Bandhan!
