Raksha Bandhan 2023: What items should be in puja thali?

Raksha Bandhan, the cherished festival celebrating the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters, is once again upon us. Traditionally observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Shravana, this year's rakhi festivities are causing a slight stir on social media, with conflicting claims about whether the date is August 30 or August 31. Regardless of the date, the essence of Raksha Bandhan remains unchanged—a day to honour sibling love.

2 things you need to know

• Raksha Bandhan will be observed on August 30 and the shubh muhurat will begin at night. 
• The favourable time for tying the rakhi is after 9:01 pm.

A key component of this heartwarming celebration is the puja thali. This elaborately decorated plate holds essential items that play a symbolic role in the ritual. Here's a breakdown of the crucial elements to include in your rakhi thali.

Rakhi: Symbol of sibling love

Undoubtedly the centerpiece of the thali, the rakhi is a delicate thread that symbolises the protective bond between a sister and her brother. Before tying the rakhi on your brother's wrist, consider placing it in your place of worship or a temple, offering it to a deity like Bal Gopal or your Ishta Devta as a gesture of reverence.

(Items to be kept in Rakhi Thali | Image: iStock)

Tilak of kumkum: Blessings of prosperity

The application of sindoor or kumkum—a red vermillion powder—on your brother's forehead post-rakhi tying signifies the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and prosperity. This auspicious tilak carries with it the hope for a better future.

Akshata: grains of goodness

Akshata, unbroken white rice grains, represents abundance and purity. After applying the tilak, delicately place akshata on your brother's forehead. This practice is believed to bring auspiciousness and positive energies into his life.

Sandalwood

Including sandalwood paste in your thali adds a touch of serenity to the ritual. Applying sandalwood paste on your brother's forehead invokes the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha, ensuring a calm and centered mind.

Diyas

Lighting diyas, or traditional oil lamps, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. Illuminate a diya on the Rakhi plate and perform an aarti for your brother. The flame is believed to hold the essence of a divine presence, enhancing the sanctity of the occasion.

Sweets

No celebration is complete without indulging in sweets. Once the rakhi and tilak rituals are complete, offer delectable sweets to your brother. This gesture is thought to infuse sweetness into your relationship, making it enduring and joyful.

As Raksha Bandhan beckons, make your celebrations truly special by thoughtfully arranging these items in your Rakhi Thali. Embrace the cherished customs and traditions that have enriched this festival for generations, and bask in the warmth of sibling love. Let the spirit of Raksha Bandhan bind you and your brother in an everlasting bond.