Send your Raksha Bandhan blessings with something they want

Silly squabbles and sibling rivalry aside, we can’t underestimate the unique bond between brothers and sisters. In India, the Hindi festival Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, celebrates the selfless love and unbreakable tie between brothers and sisters.

Held on the full moon day of the month of Sravana, (usually July/August), the word Raksha means “protection” and Bandhan is the verb “to tie”. On this day, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to protect them against evil influences, and pray for their long life and happiness.

Together, the festival symbolizes the eternal love of brother-sister relationship which does not mean just the blood relationships only. It is also celebrated among cousins, sister and sister-in-law, fraternal aunt and nephew and other such relations.

The actual ritual is simple yet sweet. Sisters, as well as female cousins will tie a knotted bracelet (similar to a friendship bracelet) called a rakhi on their brother and male cousin’s wrist. The rakhi signifies her bond she shares with her brother and cousins.

In return, the female sibling or cousin will receive a gift which can range from chocolates to jewellery to cash. Boys hold the responsibility to always protect their sisters and female cousins from harm and life’s problems while offering his own blessings for her to have a prosperous life.

Once gifts have been exchanged, the sister places a sweet in her brother’s mouth.

The beauty of Raksha Bandhan is that it’s not necessarily limited to siblings and relatives. Close friends can also tie a rakhi on each other’s and exchange presents to show their appreciation and deep respect of each other’s friendship.

Whether it’s distance or lack of time, don’t let it stop you from commemorating this year’s Raksha Bandhan with your sibling and loved ones. Special relationships need to be nurtured. Let them know that despite all the obstacles, nothing comes between your close connection with them.

Gift Card Store makes it easier for you to keep the tradition of Raksha Bandhan alive. It’s the perfect gift for a sister, brother and anyone you love just as much.

Not only will it be a lovely surprise, a gift card can provide the most loving gesture for Raksha Bandhan because:

• You will be avoiding unwanted gifts.
• Send your Raksha Bandhan blessings with something they want – a gift card!
• They can use their gift card wherever Mastercard is accepted, instore and online.
• You can personalise the gift card with a special sibling photo or selfie.
• You can send it via email with same day delivery.
• Express delivery is an option and is available Australia wide.
• Sending an E-Gift card means fast email delivery. Straight into their inbox!
• Include a personalised message with your order. Recipients will feel special!

Growing up with a brother or a sister can be filled with frustration and irritation. There’s that time your sister took forever doing her make-up and hair in the bathroom. Remember how jealous you were when he got a car as a birthday present? But selfishly never offered to drive you anywhere!

For all the times our siblings irritated and annoyed us, there’s a special memory we have filled with humour and love. A special gift card will let your sibling, cousins and closest friends know that you remember and cherish them all.

Happy Raksha Bandhan!

Click HERE to order your gift card and choose from a wide range of designs for all occasions.

Do you have a nostalgic sibling photo?

To add a personal touch and design your own card, click HERE.