We all know the basic Raksha Bandhan traditions as we follow them from the very beginning. But have you ever wondered what to do with the Rakhi after Raksha Bandhan? Well, there are multiple people who seek the answers to this question, especially guys. They usually think of the right time to remove the rakhi and what can he do with the rakhi after the occasion is over. Here are the last and final answers to these questions.
When Can I Remove Rakhi From My Wrist?
All the brothers out there have the same question in their mind post rakhi. ‘When can I remove rakhi from my wrist?’ To answer your question, there is no specific time or muhurat for removing rakhi. However, untying rakhi from your wrist can depend on cultural and personal preferences. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Traditional Timing: Hindu tradition recommends untying rakhi on Krishan Janamashtmi, which falls on the eighth day of Raksha Bandhan. However, this is not written in any vedas or book. Therefore, the timing of removing rakhi is different in different regions. For instance, Maharashtraians remove the rakhi from the Pola festival which falls 15 days after Rakhi.
- Personal Preference: The majority of the people in India believe that the brother can wear Rakhi as long as he wants. You can choose to wear the Rakhi until the end of the day, as long as Rakhi is in good condition, or even a few days after Raksha Bandhan. Moreover, many people like to wear the rakhi till it gets worn off or till the next Raksha Bandhan when the sister replaces it with a new one.
- Comfort and Practicality: If for any reason, the Rakhi is causing discomfort or hindering your daily activities. It’s perfectly acceptable to remove it whenever you want. Make sure to do so gently and with care to avoid damaging the Rakhi.
- Cultural Significance: Possibly, there might be specific guidelines for when to remove the Rakhi depending on your cultural background and family traditions.
Ultimately, the decision of when to remove the Rakhi is up to you. Now that you have decided when to untie the rakhi, here are a few ideas about what you can do with it after the festival.
What To Do With The Rakhi After Raksha Bandhan?
Typically, old Rakhis go into a drawer or a box as a memento. They can neither be used again nor be thrown away for traditional reasons. But you can bring up your creative side with your old Rakhis. Here’s how.
- Nature-Offering: If you have an eco-friendly Rakhi tied to your wrist, you can plant it and let the seeds grow into a beautiful plant. If there are no seeds attached, simply immerse the Rakhi in a bowl of water, and let it dissolve. Now, pour the water into your home plants or garden.
- Bracelets: If your rakhi is crafted with metal or jewels instead of thread, it can turn out to be a great bracelet on anyone’s wrist.
- Art and Craft: You can also incorporate the rakhi into a craft project. To mention a few, it can be used in creating decorative pieces, making collages, and so on. If you are not into art, hand it over to someone, probably a local art and craft organization who can make the best out of it.
- Symbolic Immersion: In some traditions, people immerse the holy items such as Rakhi, and idols in a river or a water body. By doing so, they bid farewell to the rakhi but the bond and energy stay with them.
- Designing Keepsakes: Remember creating scrapbooks as a little kid? This is exactly what you can do with your rakhis from previous years. Additionally, you can attach photographs and memories related to the Raksha Bandhan celebrations.
Ultimately, what you choose to do with your rakhi is your personal choice. It depends on your preferences and the cultural significance you attach to it. Whatever you choose, make sure to handle the Rakhi with care and respect. After all, your sister put in a lot of effort to find a perfect rakhi for you!
