Which Hand To Tie The Rakhi On?

Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. A lovely ritual attributed to this celebration is the tying of the rakhi, a sacred thread, on the brother’s wrist by his sister. The Rakhi symbolises her love and prayers for his well-being, seeking a vow to protect her in return. A question that often arises is: "Which hand to tie the rakhi on?" In this blog, we shall help you understand the traditional and cultural significance behind this so that you can appreciate this beautiful tradition even more!

Which Hand Is Traditionally Used To Tie Rakhi and Why?

Traditionally, the rakhi is tied on the brother’s right hand. The right wrist symbolism is that it is considered the hand of honour, power, and auspiciousness. This practice is rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures where the right hand is always used for performing sacred acts.

Right Wrist Symbolism

The right wrist is symbolic of one's ability to take action and protect. In many cultures, it is believed that the right wrist has veins connected directly to the heart, symbolising a deeper, emotional connection and commitment. Therefore, tying the rakhi on the right wrist is not just a ritual, but a deep personification of the brother-sister bond.

How Different Rakhi Celebration Practices Are Followed In Different Parts Of India.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the importance of tying ‘Rakhi on which hand’. Now, let us talk about how this festival is celebrated in different parts of India:

• In Northern India, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Sisters prepare for the day by selecting rakhis and sweets. The ceremony starts with the sister performing an aarti for her brother, applying a tilak on his forehead, and then tying the rakhi on his right wrist. This is followed by exchanging gifts and sweets.

• In Western India, particularly in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, apart from the traditional rakhi, a similar ceremony called "Nariyal Purnima" or "Coconut Full Moon" is celebrated by the fishing communities. On this day, they offer coconuts to the sea, seeking protection and prosperity. Sisters here also tie rakhi on the right wrist of their brothers.

• In Eastern India, the Rakhi festival amalgamates with the charm of other local traditions. For instance, in Bengal, it coincides with the day of the full moon. Here, sisters tie rakhi on their brothers' right wrists and the festival extends to friends and neighbours as well, signifying the sanctity of broader social bonds.

• In Southern India, the festival is known as "Avani Avittam". On this day, Brahmin men change their sacred thread and recite the Vedas. Sisters also tie rakhi on the right wrist of their brothers, as per the traditional customs.

• In Central India, people celebrate "Kajari Purnima" alongside Raksha Bandhan. Here, the festival involves agricultural rituals as well as the rakhi-tying ceremony.

The tradition of tying rakhi on the right wrist is as deep and religious as the vibe of this festival. While the core practice and beliefs remain the same, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with varied customs and rituals across different regions of India. This diversity adds to the rich dimension of this festival, clearly highlighting the unity in cultural diversity in India. To that end, you can check out a bespoke range of online gifts, Rakhis and thoughtful gift hampers on Oye Happy to take a pick for your siblings. 

FAQS On Which Hand To Tie Rakhi On

1.What if the sibling is left-handed?

A.While tradition emphasises tying the rakhi on the right hand, if a sibling is left-handed, it is acceptable to tie the rakhi on their dominant hand. 

2.Can Rakhi be tied on the left hand?

A.Although the right hand is traditionally used, tying the rakhi on the left hand is not considered inauspicious. In situations where the right hand cannot be used, such as due to injury, tying the rakhi on the left hand is perfectly fine. The most important thing in Raksha Bandhan is the bond and the intention behind the rituals.

3.What to do if the brother is away?

A.If the brother is away and cannot be physically present, the sister can

• Send Rakhi by Mail
• Engage in virtual celebrations
• Gift a Rakhi in advance