Thanks to technology, observing India’s annual festival which recognises the unique bond of siblings is possible no matter your current locale. Hindu tradition traces the beginnings of Raksha Bandhan to ancient times, when the celebration materialised as a mark of defence and devotion of the family. It also generated coalitions, and preserved harmony between rival empires and neighbourhoods. Over time, it has evolved from a routine limited to royal courts to become a widely honoured extravaganza observed by people from all walks of life.

Whether you’re living abroad, or anticipate being out of the country when Raksha Bandhan falls this year, knowing that you won’t be close to your family can take an emotional toll. Luckily, with these tips below, you can minimise the feeling of distance, and still celebrate with each other, albeit in a slightly different way.

Continue reading as we explore creative, modern ways to capture the essence of this time-honoured ritual, and how to celebrate raksha bandhan wherever you are.

Virtual festivity

No matter the current distance between your siblings, our interconnected world means their presence is only a few clicks away. When you can’t gather in person, use these resourceful ways to make your loved ones feel treasured.

To officially recognise the occasion, design your own Raksha Bandhan poster to send virtually or in the post to your siblings. Next, schedule a video gathering that is convenient for everyone’s time zones. 

Then, conduct a live ceremony displaying the sacred Rakhi yarn on the screen, which you can pre-ship to each other in preparation. You’ll tie each thread around your wrists as if you were gathering in person. Invoke the short mantra to grant each other divine blessings of happiness, prosperity, and longevity. Following prayers, the siblings can apply the tilak to their foreheads, symbolising auspiciousness and security.

It won’t be the same as in-person rituals of course, but it’s still a way to honour the tradition and feel emotionally close to your family, even if you can’t be there physically. Of course, in modern times, the ceremony isn’t limited to siblings. The blessings can also be celebrated between cousins and persons who share any bond akin to brother and sister. That could even mean showing your friends or the people you’re staying with abroad the significance of this festival, and of them to your lives.

Digitise photos and mementos

If you have a scrapbook of cherished photos, letters, and gifts from days past, why not create a digital photo album to preserve these keepsakes forever?

You’ll protect them from the elements and ensure the next generations of your family can enjoy your childhood memories as they learn about your shared adventures and genuine messages exchanged between your siblings.

Create a gallery on your website or social media channel and share the newly preserved nostalgia with your extended family across continents. You can rekindle old memories even when thousands of miles apart from each other.

Short videos are another way to improve your bonds regardless of distance, especially if newborns are in the family. Take a brief clip as you adorn the infant with his or her own Rahki every year to create irreplaceable remembrances for both the child and distant relatives.

Surprise care packages

Waking up to an unexpected box containing your favourite trinkets, foods, or spontaneous gifts from remote family members is always enjoyable. Surprise care packages let them know you’re thinking of them on this annual occasion, and looking forward to the days you’ll join them again in person.

In addition to the Rahki, you might include a mixture of customary sweets, including ladoos, pedas, barfis, and jalebis, to symbolise the cuteness or “sweetness” of your sibling connections.

Dried fruits and nuts are another easy-to-ship food that makes perfect gifts for the celebration. They represent fortune and abundance, in the hope these qualities grace your siblings and others with whom you share cherished connections.

To mark each other’s foreheads during the virtual tying ceremony, remember to include small amounts of tilak and kumkum powders and a silver or brass container for their storage. Packing your sibling’s favourite incense, scented oils, bath salts, skin care lotion sets, cosy blankets, and decorative candles enhances the ambience. They’re thoughtful additions to cultivate positive energy and improve the gift package.

Innovative gift selections

Finally, contemplate options such as a spa day reservation, concert tickets, or a streaming subscription for cooking, yoga, language learning, meditation, or other wellness-related classes for a more contemporary gift. If you’re aren’t able to ship big packages, these tailored gifts are a thoughtful idea.

Consider sending more homemade gifts too, such as personalised jewellery like bracelets, necklaces, or pendants with engraving signifying this year’s Raksha Bandhan. Showcase your locale’s artists by sending examples of their work to your family for a deeper cultural exchange.

They’ll enjoy the decorative pieces depicting India’s rich cultural legacy, and you may discover new interpretations for future collections to hand down to your children, commemorating your time living in your current city.

If their tech devices need modernising, what better way to ensure your siblings can celebrate with everyone, regardless of location, than by gifting them the newest version of their favourite gadget? With a fresh set of headphones or an updated laptop, your family’s virtual Raksha Bandhan celebrations will always go smoothly.

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Being apart from family at key moments in the annual calendar can be tough. It’s important to focus on what you are able to do, rather than what you can’t. By sending tokens of gratitude and setting up virtual celebrations, you can help narrow the gap and feel closer both in person and in spirit. Celebrate with these suggestions listed above and your siblings are sure to feel loved and appreciated this Rasksha Bandhan, wherever you are.