Subject– The celebration of Raksha Bandhan.

Dear Meghan,

Hello. How are you? I hope this email finds you healthy and happy. By God’s grace I am also well.

Last week I celebrated Raksha Bandhan and I thought I should share it with you since all this is new for you. This unique Hindu festival is observed in India and other nations, such as Nepal, to represent the love between a brother and a sister. The Hindu luni-solar holiday of Raksha Bandhan is observed on the day of the full moon in the month of Shravana, which corresponds to the Gregorian calendar month of August.

Together, the event represents the enduring love between brothers and sisters, which extends beyond simple biological ties. Additionally, cousins, sisters and sisters-in-law, fraternal aunts and nephews, and other such relatives participate in the celebration. On this day, I started with a bath in the morning, got ready and did a puja.

Once the puja was complete, I did my brother’s arti and applied kumkum and rice on his forehead. Then I tied a rakhi around my brother’s wrist in an act of prayer for his good fortune, health, and wellbeing. In exchange, my brother gave me presents and made a pledge to look out for me in all situations.

It is a very sweet and simple festival. You should definitely visit and celebrate it once with us. Does anyone in New York celebrate Raksha Bandhan around you?

Much love,
Prerna U