Rakshabandhan US vs INDIA and Outfits on a budget

It came to my recent realization that I’ve never shared anything Rakshabandhan here. Be it an outfit inspiration or just a celebration face-off post.

a little background of this Indian Festival

Rakshabandhan or Rakhi is a Hindu festival that commemorates the sibling bond- it is a celebration of sibling-hood. On this day, sisters tie a decorated string called ‘ rakhi ‘ on their brother’s wrist, praying for their brother’s well being and longevity. In return the brother promises love and protection for eternity.

I haven’t celebrated Rakhi in a very long time. Reason, I am never in India around August. Most of the times I am there June-July peak summer, but come August and I am back in US. A couple times I was there, but my only brother was then studying abroad, so we could never come together for Rakshabandhan. This year he was there, so I bought and handed him the rakhi ahead of time.

Rakhi in US vs INDia

Talking about celebrating rakhi back home vs here in the US, there is a major contrast especially in the fervor. In India it is a national holiday, whereas here it is just a regular work day, unless it falls on a weekend. The variety of Rakhi that we get here is pretty basic and not as extensive as we get in India. The Indian sweets option is also not as extravagant here, so we primarily stick with local gourmet desserts and candies. So, that’s my rakshabandhan face-off: Indian vs American..

rakhi dress code

There is no dress code for this day but girls like to keep it traditional. So, a salwar kurta set or a sari is usually the outfit choice of the day. Personally, I like wearing a sari as and when I can. I never miss a chance of wearing sarees. That leads us to my outfit choice of today, which is this INR 800 pleated, crushed sari. Yes, you heard it right, that pleated beauty costs only 800 Indian rupees. My cheapest but most treasured purchase ever!

I wasn’t planning to buy it, but trust me guys ” just like I influence people to buy, I get influenced by other influencers to buy”. – another creature of habit! But, I have no regrets! It is such a pretty, good-quality affordable sari. The sari, similar stuff that my US readers can shop HERE and my Indian readers can shop HERE, came with a pink blouse piece. No fall was needed as it is pleated and crushed. It’s a really low maintenance sari. Buy a D-coat or get a fish cut petticoat ( under skirt ) made, as the sari can get clingy due the material.