Celebrating Raksha Bandhan With A Toddler

“Being brother & sister means being there for each other.” Unknown

Raksha Bandhan (also known as Rakhi/Rakhri) is the Hindu festival that celebrates the love and loyalty between brother and sister. On this day sisters tie a rakhi (blessed thread) on their brother’s wrist, which symbolizes the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being, and the brother’s promise to protect her. After the rakhi is tied, sweets are exchanged and the brother gifts their sister a token, as a thank you for their prayers and blessings. There are stories dating back in Indian history to the Rajput Queens and how they would send rakhis to neighboring kingdoms, as peace offerings, binding the kings in brotherhood.

Little Mirchi’s first few Raksha Bandhan celebrations were enjoyed simply, with her having little grasp of the festival. This year however, she was more understanding of the concept and excited to send her rakhis to cousin brothers. Celebrating Raksha Bandhan with a toddler can be fun and exciting, especially when you get them involved. Here are a few ways you can get your little ones involved with the festival making it fun for the whole family.

Make a day out of it
We dedicated an entire day to decorating cards, picking out rakhis and going to the post office to send them off. Making a big deal out of small traditions will help your little ones understand the importance of them.

Decorate Cards
If your mailing your rakhis, chances are you’ll be tucking them in a card. Have your little one paint, color, draw and personalize the card. Little Mirchi traced her hand this year and sent her brothers high fives!

Let them pick out the Rakhi
Sure it’s easy to pick up a few but it’s even more fun to see their eyes light up when choosing between all the different varieties. Little Mirchi made sure she had a good mix of blue, green, yellow and red rakhis!

Get crafty
If you’re really feeling crafty, make your own rakhis. We love this round up of over 15 DIY rakhis.

Something sweet
As it’s traditional to exchange sweets between brother and sister on Raksha Bandhan, spend an evening together making or putting together favorite desserts.

Make your own traditions
The beauty of culture and traditions is how they continue to evolve with us. I remember watching my Mom last year “virtually” tie Rakhi on her brother via FaceTime and then proceed to do Aarti and feed him a ladoo. I got a kick out of it but loved how they adapted with circumstances.

However you decide to celebrate, be flexible and make it work for your family so it’s fun and memorable!

Enjoy