Rakhi Purnima: A celebration of bond, blessings and brotherhood

Bhubaneswar, August 9: As dawn broke over Odisha today, a gentle buzz of excitement swept through homes, bustling markets, and sacred temples. It is Rakhi Purnima—a day when simple threads become powerful symbols of love, lifelong promises, and the cherished bond between siblings.

In homes across the state, sisters will lovingly tie rakhis on their brothers’ wrists—colorful, glittering threads that symbolize not just affection but also a heartfelt plea for lifelong protection. With joy in their eyes and laughter in the air, sisters will whisper wishes, while their brothers respond with gifts and vows of care. Behind those delicate rakhis lie weeks of planning—as every sister dreams of the perfect gift, and brothers, in return, quietly prepare surprises that reflect their love.

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In the days leading up to the festival, the city markets witnessed a familiar scene—bustling crowds, vibrant stalls, and an air of anticipation. Gift shops, clothing boutiques, and jewelry stores did brisk business as brothers searched for thoughtful tokens of appreciation. Even those separated by distance found a way to celebrate—opting for online orders and app-based gift deliveries, ensuring no sister felt left out.

Though the ritual of tying rakhi is not originally rooted in Odia tradition, time and cultural mingling have woven it seamlessly into the region’s festive fabric. Adopted from northern India, Raksha Bandhan is now celebrated here with warmth and grandeur, especially by younger generations who embrace both its sentiment and its symbolism.

And the celebration extends beyond homes—to the sacred precincts of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. On Rakhi Purnima, the temple comes alive with dual festivities: Raksha Bandhan and the auspicious birth anniversary of Lord Balabhadra.

The morning begins with traditional rituals like Dwaraphita (opening of the sanctum doors), Mangala Arati, Avakash Niti (holy cleansing), Bhog Mandap, and Sarvanga Niti (full-body ceremonial adornment). In a special moment of devotion, rakhis are offered in the temple as part of the divine celebration. As twilight falls and Sandhya Dhupa (evening offerings) conclude, the temple reverberates with chants and rituals honoring Lord Balabhadra’s Janma Niti—his sacred birth ceremony.

Together, these traditions—both familial and divine—paint Rakhi Purnima as more than just a ritual. It’s a day of shared joy, sacred ties, and the enduring promise that no matter where life leads, the bond between a brother and sister remains unbreakable.