Tying Rakhis In Indian Languages: How Mother Tongues Keep Raksha Bandhan Alive In 2025

In India, festivals are deeply personal. They are not just about lights, sweets, or rituals. They are about emotions, family, and language. Among all the festivals, Raksha Bandhan stands out for the love it celebrates between brothers and sisters. And while the thread of rakhi is important, it is the words spoken during the ceremony that often touch the heart more deeply.

When a sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist, it is not just an act of tradition. It is a moment of connection. And very often, that moment becomes even more meaningful when spoken in the language the siblings grew up with. Whether it is Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, or Telugu, the mother tongue brings a warmth and closeness that no other language can match.

Imagine a sister in Punjab telling her brother, "Veera, main tenu rakhi bandhi haan." Or a girl in Maharashtra saying, "Bhau, mi tula rakhi bandhte." These are not just translations of the same sentence. They are filled with emotion, memory, and identity. They are how love is expressed within families, in the words they have always known.

In a world where English has become a common language in cities and online platforms, our regional languages continue to be the language of the heart. Even young people who speak English at school or work often switch to their native language when talking to siblings, especially during festivals. This is because mother tongues carry stories, lullabies, arguments, laughter, and love. They remind us of home and childhood.

Across India, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in many ways. In the north, sisters prepare thalis with sweets, roli, and rakhi. In the east, especially in West Bengal and Odisha, the festival is observed with slightly different names and customs. In the south, where Raksha Bandhan is not a traditional festival, it has still found space in homes because of changing times and cultural exchange. Wherever it is celebrated, language plays a central role in keeping the bond alive.

Let us take a closer look at how different Indian languages shape the experience of Raksha Bandhan.

In Gujarat, a sister may say, "Bhaila, tane rakhi bandhva chhu." In Tamil Nadu, it could be, "Thambi, naan unakku rakhi kattaren." In Kerala, even though the festival is not native, sisters might say, "Sahodaran, njan ninakku rakhi katunnu," especially in families that have adopted the tradition. Each of these sentences is not just about tying a thread. It is about offering protection, respect, and lifelong affection in a way that is deeply rooted in culture.

The beauty of Raksha Bandhan lies in this diversity. While the act of tying a rakhi may look the same, the words used, the songs sung, and the emotions shared differ from region to region. This makes the festival richer and more inclusive.

In recent years, with people moving to different cities and even countries, the festival has also become a bridge to one’s roots. A brother in Canada may receive a rakhi along with a voice note from his sister in Bengaluru who says, "Anna, rakhi kattidini, ninna olleya baduku koruttini." That short sentence in Kannada can mean more than a long email in English. It brings a tear to the eye and a smile to the face because it sounds like home.

Technology too has played a role in keeping our languages alive during festivals. Today, many families send digital greetings in their native tongues. Video calls often begin in English but switch to the language of home as emotions take over. Social media platforms are filled with messages in regional scripts. There are also mobile apps that help people create rakhi messages in different Indian languages, making it easier to celebrate with authenticity.

More importantly, the younger generation is beginning to see the value of their mother tongues. Many are now trying to learn or improve their regional language skills, not just for communication but to feel closer to their heritage. Raksha Bandhan, like many other festivals, becomes an occasion to use these languages with pride and affection.

In a time when many worry about the fading of regional languages, festivals like Raksha Bandhan give us hope. They remind us that language is not just a tool for speaking. It is a way of feeling, of belonging, and of connecting with our loved ones. It brings out the soul of the festival.

So this Raksha Bandhan, whether you say "Bhaiya, main rakhi baandh rahi hoon," or "Chetta, njan rakhi kattunnu," remember that it is your voice, in your mother tongue, that carries the true essence of the moment. The thread is important, but the words that come with it are what tie the bond forever.

Let us keep speaking our languages, not just to keep them alive, but to keep the love alive in the most meaningful way.

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