This year, the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Monday, August 19th. Sisters prepare a special thali for Raksha Bandhan, and there are certain essential items that must be included for the thali to be considered complete.
Kumkum
Before tying the Rakhi, sisters apply a tilak with kumkum on their brother's forehead, making it an essential item in the Rakhi thali. In Hindu tradition, kumkum is considered a symbol of good luck and is used in almost all auspicious ceremonies.
Rice
Rice, also known as Akshat, meaning whole or unbroken, is another essential item for the Rakhi thali. In astrology, rice is associated with the planet Venus, which is believed to bring happiness and prosperity. When rice is applied over the tilak, it symbolizes the wish for prosperity in the brother's life.
Coconut
Coconut, also known as Shriphal, meaning the fruit of Goddess Lakshmi, should be included in the Raksha Bandhan plate. When a sister places a coconut in her brother's hands, it symbolizes the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, ensuring that happiness and prosperity always remain in his life.
Rakhi
The Raksha Sutra, or Rakhi, is a crucial part of the Raksha Bandhan plate, and the thali is incomplete without it. It's important to choose a Rakhi made of auspicious colours. Avoid tying a Rakhi with dark-coloured threads or one that features symbols of God.
Sweets
Sweets are an important part of the Raksha Bandhan plate. A brother can also express his affection by offering sweets to his sister.
Lamp (diya)
After tying the Rakhi to the brother, it is also customary to tie it to the sister-in-law and nephews. Following this, everyone is traditionally seated together for the aarti. To perform the aarti, the Raksha Bandhan thali must include a lamp. It’s recommended to use pure ghee in the lamp instead of oil.
Kalash
During Raksha Bandhan, it's important to include an urn filled with water in your plate. In Hindu beliefs, a pot filled with water is considered to house all the gods and goddesses. After performing the aarti with the lamp, a few drops of water from the kalash (urn) are sprinkled on either side of the brother. This act signifies the completion of the aarti ritual.