How You Can Celebrate Raksha Bandhan If You’re Living Abroad

Are you an Indian student living abroad? Or have you sought greener pastures away from the motherland in hopes of a bright career ahead? Either way, in a world where distances separate us from each other, the threads that tie us to our roots seem more precious than ever. For any of us living abroad, celebrating traditional festivals can be a proposition as enchanting as it is challenging. So, how can you still embrace the essence of Raksha Bandhan, that cherished bond between brothers and sisters, even when miles apart? 

From virtual Rakhis to Raksha Bandhan poster designs that house a personal and visually appealing element to your long-distance celebration, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out more! 

Enter The Virtual Rakhis

Welcome to the 21st century: In this day and age, with technology ruling almost every aspect of our lives, the simple act of tying a Rakhi has also been given a new, digital twist. Virtual Rakhis are a modern age version of the traditional Rakhi, with a slight difference, in that they’re now the norm for those who are separated by oceans yet want to keep tradition alive, celebrating together. The good news is that the Internet offers dozens of platforms that create customised e-Rakhis. These virtual Rakhi designs are not only pretty, but they can come in any shape you please — from flowers, hearts, stars, and butterflies, to ones you can personalise yourself. 

If you’re looking to go one step beyond just the design, some come with the option of adding in a personalised message, the ability to upload a photo inside, and others even let you attach in a short video (isn’t that amazing?). So while nothing can compare to actually being able to put it on them, being able to express just how much your brothers mean to you with more than just traditional mail is the next best thing.

Snail Mail Surprise

Prefer doing things the old-school way? Well, then go back to basics and send a traditional Rakhi through the mail. It might take a little longer to get there, but the surprise and anticipation will just make it all the more sweet. And your note could be extra special with a heartfelt letter, a cute little gift or even a stunning Raksha Bandhan poster that you can create in minutes with apps like Adobe Express. So while technology brings us together instantly, there’s nothing quite like a note in the mail to add a little history and heart to the modern celebration that is Raksha Bandhan.

Video Calls & Virtual Celebrations

In an age where geographical distances can be closed with just a few clicks, video calls have become an amazing gift to connect with loved ones. And when it comes to celebrating Raksha Bandhan while sitting miles away, what’s a better way to enjoy the day than enjoying virtual celebrations through video calls? Thanks to technology, siblings now have the ability to perform a traditional ceremony, in real-time. Who knows, you could even enjoy a celebratory meal together, mukbang style! So download Zoom, Google Meet or Skype or any software that you use and off you go on a new kind of celebration!

Ordering Sweets Online 

What’s Raksha Bandhan without an array of sweets? For many, the festivities are incomplete without the presence of an array of sweets, and one can easily find themselves yearning for the unmistakable taste of a favourite, like the irresistible Gulab Jamun. Yum! And guess what? Living abroad doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the culinary delights that make Raksha Bandhan special. 

Chances are, no matter where you are on the globe, there’s probably at least one online store that specialises in Indian sweets, so get searching and put your order in. Whether you’re craving Burfi, Rasgulla, or even Jalebi, your local Indian sweets shop is there to save the (Raksha Bandhan) day. Alternatively, you could even try your hand at making some of these sweets at home if you’re brave, but we’ll leave that to the aspiring masterchefs.

Collaborative Cooking Sessions

While we’re on the topic of yummy Raksha Bandhan treats, why not join in on a collaborative cooking session with the fam? Host a video call meeting with your family and let the Rakhi food prepping begin. Each family member can prepare a cooking station in their respective kitchens as everyone comes armed with their recipe, tips and spoons full of joy. Whether you’re perfecting the art of folding your delicious Potato Samosas, learning the finer art of making Besan Ladoo or simply getting your Jalebi batter to the right consistency, cooking together adds a delightful layer of shared experiences to this special day.

Digital Scrapbooking

Last but not the least, unleash your creative best by making a digital scrapbook. Cherished moments, childhood photos, heartfelt messages for siblings and loved ones … your digital scrapbook can serve as the canvas for all of this. We also recommend including some old photos of your Raksha Bandhan celebrations. Pair them with some rather nostalgic captions and pour your heart out with a message that tells them all that you feel for them – your love, your gratitude for all they have done – and you will have something that you can send not just to your brother or sister, but to every member of the clan. A click will be all it takes for them to relive those precious memories.

And there you have it — 6 genius ways in which you can join in on the Raksha Bandhan festivities, even when you’re a thousand miles away. Because at the end of the day, distance is but a mere hurdle you can easily overcome with a blend of technology, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia.

So, embrace the opportunities that the modern world provides to connect with your roots and we wish you a Happy Raksha Bandhan!