Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is soon approaching. It is one of the popular festivals which depict the love of brothers and sisters for each other. Being originated in India, it has spread its feet in many foreign lands and become a part and parcel of them. Families are now settled in different parts of the world and thus globally people celebrate rakhi also in their ways but with Indian touch. Let’s explore how different countries celebrate rakhi and the unique traditions that make this festival special worldwide.

Rakhi in the USA

Rakhi has also gained good popularity in the USA as a festival among the Indians living there. People gather in families most of the time either merging the rakhi with other cultural functions. Sisters tie a holy thread—bro rakhi around the wrist of their brothers while the brothers gift their sisters with some token of their affection and offer sweets too. Rakhi being one of the significant cultural aspects, numerous Indian groups arrange events in which people can not only get an opportunity to meet other families but also enjoy Indian music and dance. This aspect gives people staying there a feeling that they are associated with their fellow countrymen.

Rakhi in Canada

Indian immigration is high in Canada and therefore celebration of rakhi is observed with a lot of fervor. If sisters live in different cities, they send rakhis to their brothers to let the bond remain close even if the siblings are miles apart. Cities in Canada such as Toronto and Vancouver have grand rakhi fairs so that people can get rakhis, traditional wear and Indian sweets. It is culturally a joyous day since families are observed to be having gatherings and enjoying Indian foods. 

Rakhi in United Kingdom (UK)

In the UK, rakhi is celebrated with a mix of Indian and British traditions. The traditions of the given festival are making more and more Indian families living in the UK adapt to British culture. During the family dinner, sisters tie rakhis although they might eat traditional Indian food they also can eat British food. London, with its vibrant Indian community, hosts rakhi events in temples and community centers, bringing people together to celebrate with cultural performances and food stalls.

Rakhi in Australia

Australia’s growing Indian community celebrates rakhi with great enthusiasm. Sisters send rakhis to their brothers living in different parts of the country, ensuring the bond remains strong. The festival is often marked by family gatherings and cultural events organized by Indian associations. Specifically Melbourne and Sydney present grand events for rakhi’s festival allowing people to immerse into the Indian music and dance as well as taste the enticing Indian food. The aspects of Indian and Australian influxes make the celebrations all the more colorful and creative.

Rakhi in Singapore

Singapore, with its diverse culture, embraces rakhi with open arms. Indians celebrate the occasion very culturally and go overboard with the celebrations. Temples and community centers provide rakhi fests, where people are welcomed to come in with their families to engage in prayers and cultural practices. Sisters tie rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, and the day is spent enjoying traditional Indian meals and exchanging gifts. Singapore is home to English, Malay, Indians, and Chinese people which adds more spice to the day thus making it a spunky one.

Rakhi in the Middle East

In countries like the UAE, where a significant number of Indians reside, rakhi is celebrated with much enthusiasm. Sisters send rakhis to their brothers, and families gather for festive meals. Indian restaurants and sweet shops in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi see a surge in customers, as people buy sweets and gifts for the occasion. Despite the cultural differences, the essence of rakhi remains the same, emphasizing the bond of love and protection between siblings.

Rakhi in South Africa

The community of Indians living In South Africa like in Durban and Johannesburg have taken the festival of rakhi to be one of the most spirited ones. Sisters wind rakhis around their brothers’ wrists and people celebrate the day with their families. Rakhi is celebrated in Indian temples or community centers where people perform dance shows and bands selling raksi or Indian sweets. The strong Indian presence in South Africa guarantees that the idea of international rakhi is as popular as in the Indian setting by making families have memorable times together.

Rakhi can be considered not only the bright festival but it is the festival of true brother-sister relationship. Indian families are spread all around the world and irrespective of the place they live in, they make sure to celebrate it by incorporating the traditions of that place with the traditions of Indian culture. The above mentioned traditions of rakhi, associated with the international communities prove the fact that Love, protection & family are universally celebrated hence rakhi brings happiness to the world. Hence, wherever anyone is residing be it New York or London or Singapore or any other part of the world, the feeling of rakhi takes them back home.