Raksha Bandhan Rituals: Raksha Bandhan is one of the warmest, most nostalgic celebrations in the Indian calendar. Nostalgic, because it is a day of shared memories, food, and inside jokes, and an unspoken promise between siblings. But while the sentiment remains timeless, some of the age-old rituals feel out of touch with the way we live, think, and relate to each other today..This isn’t about dismissing tradition; it’s about asking whether some customs actually serve the bond we claim to honour. In 2025, when relationships are more equal, families more diverse, and lifestyles more demanding, it’s time to rethink what parts of this festival we actually want to carry forward.
Raksha Bandhan rituals we don’t need in 2025
The obligation of ‘protection’
Raksha Bandhan comes with a traditional promise – that brother will ‘protect’ their sisters. This particularly feels outdated in an era where women are increasingly independent and capable of protecting themselves. Not just that, this tradition inadvertently reinforces patriarchal norms and limits a woman’s autonomy. If you ask us, we would like a brother’s support and encouragement more than a paternalistic role.
Rigid gender roles
Elaborating on the previous point, the expectation that sisters perform specific rituals like applying tilak and tying rakhi, while brothers offer gifts and promises of protection, can feel restrictive.
Over-commercialisation
The focus of Raksha Bandhan has somehow shifted to expensive gifts and elaborate celebrations, which sometimes overshadows the emotional core of the festival. What happens as a result is often pressure and disappointment, especially for families with limited resources. Prioritising heartfelt gestures, handmade gifts, or experiences over material possessions can make the celebration more meaningful.
Treating Raksha Bandhan as a sibling-only club
While the festival is traditionally about brothers and sisters, today’s families are far more fluid. Step-siblings, cousins, chosen family, and even close friends play the role of ‘protectors’ and confidantes. Staying with a narrow definition of who can be celebrated on Raksha Bandhan eliminates the very relationships that embody the spirit of this festival.
The ‘I’ll tie you a rakhi so boys don’t flirt’ trope
Girls in schools or colleges still jokingly, or maybe sometimes seriously, tie rakhis to boys to signal disinterest or friendzone them. While it may seem harmless, it trivialises the ritual into a social weapon. Should sacred symbols really be used to build walls or avoid awkward conversations? In an age of open communication and healthy boundaries, using cultural traditions to manage relationships is not just immature, it’s outdated.
