Rakshabhandan & Avani avittam

Hey!!
Here I am back with some insight on one of the festivals of India bringing back some sweet memories in turn....

Well as most of us from India are aware of the Rakshabhandan, the day when a sister ties a Rakhi on the hands of her brother and in turn he takes the duty of protecting her in this world from all evils. This is the day most brothers looks forward to seeing their sisters and plan on getting some interesting gifts (ofcourse money being the number one). The sisters eagerly wait for this day so they can get some gifts once the rakhi is tied.

But this is not the scenario with every boy and girl. Come on you all know what I mean by this. This is also the most dreadest day in the year by most of the college going guys. The girls take the chance provided this day to break the hearts of guys they are not interested in by tieing a rakhi and making him a brother and leaving him with no doubt about the relationship. This day has produced many heartbreaks I am aware of - some sad, and some funny ofcourse. Well to those who could keep their hopes alive by avoiding the girls - "Nice Work guys!!" and to those poor chaps who were forced to become brothers - "My Sympathies and wishes for your future relationships guys!!"

Well not many of you are aware of the second part of the title Avani Avittam. Well it literally means the day on which the Avittam/Dhanistha/Sravanam Star occurs in the Avani month according to the lunar calendar. This is of huge importance to Brahmins more so for the religious ritual than as a festival. Well this is the day when the brahmins who have had their Sacred Thread ceremony will be expected to change their threads (poonal in Tamil). The day starts with a head bath and the whole process of changing the threads which includes recitations of mantras and process. This day many people do some homams after the process. Once this is completed breakfast follows usually idlis. Lunch is also a huge feast arranged by the ladies in the family. This is a time when the whole family gets together and spends time together. Well this is a short insight for you all.

Happy Rakhabhandhan day to every sister and brother out there. Remember even if you are not together this day you are in each others thought. Happy Avaniavittam to you all


-S