Objective: To perform the traditional ceremony for strengthening the bond between siblings and securing the brother’s protection.
Prerequisites/Requirements: A tray containing a small diya (lamp), akshat (uncooked rice mixed with turmeric), kumkum paste, sweets, and the Rakhi thread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Tilak Ceremony: Apply kumkum paste to the forehead of the brother (this symbolizes the opening of the third/wisdom eye).
- Akshat: Sprinkle the yellow turmeric-rice (akshat) over the brother’s head.
- Aarti: Perform aarti by circling the lit diya in a clockwise direction around the brother to ward off evil and darkness.
- Tying Rakhi: Tie the rakhee/rakhi thread around the brother’s right wrist.
- Charging with Mantra: While tying, recite the protection mantra: “Om yena baddho balee raajaa daana vendro mahaa balah tenatvaa mabhi badhnaami, rakshe maachala maachala”.
- Promise: The brother pledges to protect his sister in every birth and remain by her side.
- Sweetening the Mouth: Feed the brother sweets from the tray.
- Gift Exchange: The brother presents gifts to the sister as a token of love.
