The last six months of the year in India is when all the festivals start. Raksha Bandhan is one such Hindu festival that is looked forward to owing to its significance and the deep cultural connection it has. Rakshabandhan is an occasion that is celebrated by wearing traditional clothes like a kurta, pyjama and performing a prayer for the well-being of their brother, after which the girl applies a “tilak” on the forehead of their brothers. Along with this, a sweet/ dessert is fed to the brother and then the rakhi is tied around the wrist of the brother.
There are various types of rakhi, namely, Rudraksha Rakhi, Lumba Rakhi, Gemstone Rakhi, and Gold Rakhi among others.
Understanding the Meaning and Origins of Lumba Rakhi
Lumba Rakhi is yet another type of rakhi that signifies immense tradition in a typical Indian family and has its origin in Rajasthan’s Marwari culture. It is believed that the Lumba Rakhi, which is tied on the Indian festival day, Raksha Bandhan helps bind the family even more, as a sister tying this Rakhi to the wrist of the bhabhi which signifies purity and whole-hearted acceptance of the sister-in-law into her brother’s life. This sacred thread helps build the brother-sister bond. The Lumbas dangle below the rakhi and can be seen hanging on the wrists of married women adding an extra touch of Indianness along with traditional clothes.
The Symbolism and Rituals Associated with Lumba Rakhi
Lumba rakhi significance is mainly wearing a saree or Raksha Bandhan Dress for Girl, tying the rakhi on sister-in-law’s wrist, and celebrating bhabhi’s special role in both her brother’s life and strengthening family ties. It recognizes the power of the divine feminine and honours it on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan by tying a lumba rakhi for bhabhi. Although the question of ‘What is Lumba Rakhi and It’s Significance?’ was prevalent in the past, it isn’t anymore.
Read more about 25+ Raksha Bandhan Gifts for Brothers & Sisters on our blog!
This essence is reflected in tying lumba rakhi also known as bhaiya bhabhi rakhi to sister-in-law’s bangle. It also emphasizes the two most important qualities of marriage life: sharing and caring. When a sister binds rakhi to her brother’s wife, they are explicit about each other’s protection and well-being.
How Lumba Rakhi Celebrations Differ from Traditional Raksha Bandhan
There is a huge difference between Lumba rakhi vs traditional rakhi. The distinction is mainly based on the cultural significance it holds and heavily depends on whom the rakhi is tied to. The festive preparations and rituals remain the same as wearing Indian clothes, gifting accessories, or other required items but the significance of it differs. The Lumba Rakhi is mainly to bring to the forefront the sister-in-law relationship importance and how it plays a significant role for the brother and the family as a whole.
Popular Designs and Trends in Lumba Rakhis
Trendy lumba rakhi designs are based on various types, designs, and themes. Listed below are distinctions based on materials used in lumbas, occasion types, and more. These days you also have the option of inscribing memories, names and getting personalized lumbas for special occasions or themes.
Go through 70+ New Raksha Bandhan Wishes, Quotes & Greetings in 2023 for you on our blog!
Designer Lumba Rakhi
Designer Lumba Rakhi is one of the most spectacular options available and would be a true stunner on your Bhabhi’s wrist on Rakshabandhan. It is a one-of-a-kind selection that qualifies as designer jewelry due to its contemporary styles, and feminine allure would go with both western as well as Indian attires.
Read more about the 12 Best Raksha Bandhan Dress for Girl on our blog.
Jeweled Lumba Rakhi
Jeweled Lumba Rakhi are named so because they resemble jewelry such as golden bracelets, bangles, and so on. The jeweled Lumba Rakhi, considered to be a symbol of love, respect, and acceptance of the sister-in-law into the family is believed to bring loads of good fortune and blessings to the married couple. This Rakhi is made with great attention to detail and can be made from select materials, such as zari, silk threads, or other decorative elements. These can also be worn as jewelry, but they have a more traditional appearance than fashionable Rakhis.
Victorian Design Rakhi
A Victorian style Rakhi refers to a Rakhi influenced by the Victorian era, which was a period in British history. Victorian design features are noted for their elaborate and decorative character, with floral patterns, lacework, filigree, and delicate details. A Victorian style Rakhi usually includes floral themes, such as roses or lilies, delicately woven threads, lace-like patterns, and beautiful decorations. The color pallet used in Victorian design Rakhis is frequently soft and pastel, with pink, blue, ivory, and gold colors.
Know more about how to style these rakhis by reading our blog Dressing for Different Occasions: How to Dress for Festivals, and More
Zardosi Lumba Rakhi
A Zardosi Lumba Rakhi is a type of decorative Rakhi that features intricate Zardosi embroidery. Zardosi is a traditional form of embroidery that originated in Persia and is widely accepted and practiced in India. It involves the use of metallic threads, usually gold or silver, along with beads, sequins, and other embellishments to create elaborate and ornate designs.
Zardosi Lumba Rakhi is one of the most popular bhabhi rakhi design variants to look for, thanks to its detailed and colorful Zardosi craftsmanship. Zardosi Lumba Rakhi is a fantastic choice for Bhabhis, who love to add a touch of glam to their fashion outfits as well as their rakhi.
Stone Decorated Lumba Rakhi
The appeal of stone-studded jewelry, particularly for women, cannot be overstated. The brilliant stone studded Lumba Rakhi or bangle lumba rakhi for bhabhi would adorn her wrist and work perfectly with even western co-ords among others. It is one of the most popular choices among Lumba Rakhis because the styles and patterns of stone-studded Rakhis are inspired by stone-studded jewelry.
Pearl Lumba Rakhi
The list would not have been complete without the addition of Pearl Lumba Rakhi, the ultimate charmer. Pearl Lumba Rakhi is unquestionably the most gorgeous and fashionable Lumba Rakhi. The Pearl Lumba Rakhi is a type of Rakhi that is embellished with pearls also known as natural gemstones noted for their beauty and elegance. Pearls, when used in a Lumba Rakhi, offer a sense of sophistication and grace to the design representing purity, love, and prosperity.
Pearl Lumba Rakhis can be made up of single or numerous strands of pearls strung together in a straight line or delicately braided into patterns. The pearls in such rakhis are often paired with other decorative materials such as beads, stones, crystals, or threads to make beautiful pearl arrangements which is the result of fine craftsmanship.
CONCLUSION
Lumba Rakhi contributes to the marriage’s security and represents the importance of a happy married life, just like how tying a Rakhi represents love and loyalty. The Lumba Rakhi tradition dates back to a time when women were not as self-sufficient as they are today but due to how deep-rooted it is, the tradition continues to date. Lumba rakhis can be bought in local stores or online during Raksdhabandhan. Irrespective of where it is bought from, or what quality it is made of, the intention and significance of this sacred thread has remained over the years adding more and more value to it with each passing year.
FAQ’s
Which hand do you wear Lumba rakhi?
The sacred thread, Lumba Rakhi is customarily tied on the sister-in-law’s or bhabhi’s right wrist. In Indian tradition, the right hand is thought to be more auspicious and sacred. The Lumba Rakhi, when tied on the right wrist, represents blessings, protection, and good fortune for the sister-in-law and her marriage life.
What is Lumba in rakhi?
In Marwari, the word Lumba loosely translates to bangle. Lumba rakhi is a rakhi that is connected to the bangle of a sister-in-law and is meant to bring harmony, protection, and a strong bond between the bhabhi and her sister-in-law.