The essence of traditional festivals has found a home in the virtual world in the heart of the digital age, where screens light up our lives and relationships are made with a single click. One such event that has smoothly adapted to the digital age is Raksha Bandhan, a beloved Indian festival that honors the tie between siblings. The way Raksha Bandhan is celebrated has changed as the globe watches the fusion of technology and tradition, giving an ancient ceremony new life.
Raksha Bandhan has great cultural significance in India since it conjures up promises of safety and love. As a symbol of their unbreakable link and the brothers’ promise to look out for their sisters’ welfare, sisters customarily tie bright threads, known as “rakhis,” around their brothers’ wrists. This ritual includes siblings, cousins, close friends, and even those that cross biological boundaries.
Geographical distances frequently separate families in today’s linked world, making it difficult for them to participate in customary celebrations personally. But technology has provided a solution by bridging the distance and enabling siblings to celebrate Raksha Bandhan regardless of their location. The new heart-tying threads are the virtual platforms.
Dr Chandni Tugnait is M.D. (Alternative Medicines), Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, Founder & Director – Gateway of Healing shares some ways in which Raksha bandhan has evolved in the digital age –
Virtual Rakhis: E-commerce websites make it easy to order rakhis online and send them anywhere in the world. Siblings living far apart can still celebrate Raksha Bandhan through virtual rakhis and video calls.
Online Rakhi Customization: Many websites allow customization ofrakhis with photos, text, and designs to make them more personal.
Rakhi through Social Media: Social media has enabled creative ways of celebrating Raksha Bandhan virtually. Siblings post photos of rakhis, share throwback pictures, or send Rakhi greetings through social media posts and stories.
Digital Payments for Rakhi Gifts: Digital payments like UPI, e-wallets, cards allow for contactless gifting of money or e-vouchers on Raksha Bandhan. It’s convenient and hassle-free.
Online Rakhi Celebrations: Video calling platforms like Zoom allow siblings living in different cities or countries to celebrate Rakhi together virtually. They can perform rituals, play games, chat for hours just like an in-person celebration.
DIY Rakhis: Internet has enabled creative DIY rakhi making at home. One can find easy video tutorials to make quilling rakhis, bead rakhis, etc.
Online Shopping for Rakhi: E-commerce sites like Amazon make rakhi shopping extremely convenient. One can find an array of rakhi designs, gifts, and sweets to be delivered at doorstep.
Emotions and Emojis- The way that emotions are expressed has also changed in the digital age. In this age of digitalisation, emojis, GIFs, and stickers have replaced poetry and words as the new language of emotion. These technological tools serve a special purpose during Raksha Bandhan, when sisters and brothers use animated expressions to send virtual hugs, smiles, and laughter to one another. These virtual exchangescapture the spirit of the festival and produce memorable experiences that go beyond the boundaries of screens.
In many ways, technology has made Raksha Bandhan celebrations more convenient, creative, and bound by love beyond borders. Yet the emotional essence of the festival remains undiluted.Raksha Bandhan in the modern era is evidence of how enduring traditions can be in the face of technological change. Digital rakhis and virtual festivities are not a replacement for the real thing; rather, they are an upgrade that takes into account the shifting dynamics of our connected society. Siblings continue to fortify their relationships through digital threads, going beyond screens and bytes to reinforce their love, protection, and enduring connection.