India is a country of many festivals. As the country is diverse in culture and religion, each month, Indians celebrate different occasions and festivals. One such festival which is of the utmost importance to the Indians is Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan, simply known as Rakhi, is an auspicious occasion usually celebrated between July and August or on Shravan month as per the Hindu calendar on the full moon day. It’s an important festival celebrating the everlasting bond of brothers and sisters. Even though the festival is Hindu, the celebrations are not limited just to this religion. Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated by anyone, regardless of caste or faith, and also, there’s no limitation to only siblings related by blood. Anyone who sees their friend or elderly as their sibling can give meaning to their bond by tying a rakhi.

We know that Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in India with the utmost enthusiasm, but do other countries also celebrate this festival? Let’s find out the countries around the world that celebrate Raksha Bandhan!

Raksha Bandhan in Nepal

Nepal is the only Hindu country other than India. It also shares its borders with India and is home to many Indians. Just like the celebrations in India, Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated in Nepal by honoring the brother-sister bond. People on this occasion gather together; sisters tie rakhi threads around their brothers’ wrists and have a delightful meal together. 

People in Nepal also celebrate Janai Purnima, which falls on the same day as Raksha Bandhan. It’s a Hindu festival that observes the bond of purity and security. On this day, Hindu men wear a thread around their chest, given to them during the sacred ceremony called Bratabandhan.

Raksha Bandhan in the UK

The United Kingdom is another country where Raksha Bandhan is celebrated enthusiastically. Although the festival is not a national holiday there, many people of Indian origin celebrate this occasion with great pomp. Indians gather to celebrate the festival together. The girls, away from home, tie rakhis to those like their brothers. They also send rakhi to India from USA to their brothers. 

Raksha Bandhan in Australia

Australia is a country in Oceania that has millions of Indian residents. Most are settled in cities such as Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, etc. With many Indians in the country, Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated in Australia. Some shops in Australia sell rakhi when the festival nears. For those who can’t find rakhi celebrate the occasion by tying bracelets. Many Indian communities or organizations organize Raksha Bandhan celebrations for the Indians. Families come together, have delicious feasts, and celebrate the day with foster brothers and sisters. 

Raksha Bandhan in the USA 

The United States of America is another country where Raksha Bandhan is celebrated largely by the Indian population. It’s one of the countries around the globe with many NRIs. Indian families on this day celebrate Raksha Bandhan with great zeal and happiness as in India. The Indian communities in the country organize Raksha Bandhan celebrations. Sisters in India, whose brothers reside here, send rakhi to the USA to keep the celebrations alive. 

Raksha Bandhan in Gulf Countries

Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are some of the Gulf countries where many Indians relocate to search for jobs and business opportunities. With an increase in the number of Indians in these countries, especially UAE, Oman, etc., people have become familiar with Raksha Bandhan. Most Indians only celebrate this occasion with family and with those they see as their foster brother or sister. The markets are lined up with many rakhis and sweets for the celebrations. People of Indian origin who don’t celebrate the festival back in the country sometimes also celebrate Raksha Bandhan here. 

Wrapping up

One of the most awaited festivals in India is Raksha Bandhan. This occasion honors the sweet and unbreakable relationship of brothers and sisters, not necessarily blood-related. Even when the siblings are far away, they are still close together through their unbreakable bond.

Above are some countries where millions of Indians celebrate this unique occasion with splendor and pomp. Indians, wherever they go, are still attached to their roots back at home and celebrate all the festivals with the utmost zeal.