Traditional and Contemporary Rakhi Thalis
Accessories like Roli Chawal, Sweets and Coconut for Raksha Bandhan
Aug 1, 2009
The sister brings with her the accessories required to conduct the Rakhi rituals in a plate that is known as the Rakhi Thali. In order to appreciate the importance of the contents of the Rakhi Thali, first an understanding of the rituals is required.
The Rituals in Raksha Bandhan
The Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is not a simple ritual of the sister tying a Rakhi on the brother’s wrist. It is preceded and followed by other traditional practices. These are listed below.
- Traditionally the sister initiated the rituals by performing the ‘aarti’. This step has been given up in many families.
- The sister applies a tilak of roli (red paste) and chawal (rice) on the brother’s forehead.
- Then the rakhi is tied on the brother’s wrist.
- A coconut is given to the brother.
- The sister then offers a sweet to the brother, usually placing it directly in his mouth.
- The brother gives the sister a gift. Usually it is a cash amount but may also be in kind.
- The brother or the sister, whoever is younger, touches the feet of the other to seek blessings. If they are of similar ages they embrace each other.
- The sister usually prepares a meal and the family feasts together.
The Rakhi Thali
Traditionally the Rakhi Thali was an elaborate silver plate, made especially for the purpose and used only for the Rakhi festival. Today any plate made of silver, brass or steel is used. Often the Puja Thali used in the daily worship rituals is used. This signifies the sacredness of Raksha Bandhan.
The Rakhi Thali decorated in different ways. A swastika drawn using roli paste at the center is usually mandatory. Other than this, designs can be made using different colored pastes like roli, turmeric and sandalwood. Sometimes the rim of the Rakhi Thali is adorned with brightly colored cloth or lace. Fresh flowers can be used to fill in the empty spaces on the Rakhi Thali. Those who prefer extreme simplicity merely use a banana leaf on the Rakhi Thali and place the accessories on the leaf.
Traditionally all the accessories were carried on the Rakhi Thali. Whereas the other accessories may vary from case to case, all Rakhi Thalis carry roli and rice grains. A contemporary practice is to have built in compartments for these.
Rakhi Accessories
The rakhi is obviously the main item in the Raksha Bandhan festival and usually occupies the pride of place in the Rakhi Thali. If the aarti is performed then the diya is an essential component of the Rakhi Thali. Sometimes it is carried symbolically even if the aarti is not performed.
The roli and chawal are also mandatory, and are placed either in separate small containers or in embedded compartments. The sister will need to wipe her fingers after applying the tilak to her brother. For this a small napkin is carried on the Rakhi Thali. Sometime a napkin is used to cover the laid out Rakhi Thali and this is used.
The coconut is an important part of any Hindu ritual. Traditionally a whole dried coconut shorn of its husk was given to the brother. This however is too bulky for contemporary practice. Hence usually a small replica is given. Betel nuts, or almonds or walnuts are common substitutes. Where expense is no bar an item of jewelry designed in the form of a coconut is used.
The offering of a sweet is a mandatory ritual. Sisters usually carry a traditional Indian sweet in the Rakhi Thali. However many sisters supplement this with contemporary western sweets, usually chocolates. In fact the Raksha Bandhan festival is high season for chocolate manufacturers in India. Many introduce small packets and big hampers especially themed for Rakhi.
Resources:
- Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India, Rakhi Thali Decoration
- I Love India, Rakhi Thali Decoration
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