How to Celebrate Your Baby's First Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a manifestation of unique sibling bonds shared worldwide. Every sister is happy to buy a rakhi for her brother, and every brother feels honoured to have a rakhi tied to his wrist. It's a very special festival, full of love, sweets, gifts, and new clothes. It’s an exciting day for children and families to come together and celebrate Raksha Bandhan.
Things, however, change a bit when you have a baby at home. Well, if this is your baby's first Raksha Bandhan, you do want to make it memorable, but with your baby's needs in mind. So, to ensure that your baby does not get cranky and is prepared for all commotions, festive or otherwise, you need to plan differently. So, let us look at the things we need to keep in mind while celebrating a baby's first rakhi.
What Is the Best Time to Celebrate Rakhi in 2024?
As per the Hindu Lunar Calendar, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the Full Moon Date (Purnima Tithi) of the Waxing Phase of the Moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Shravan. In 2024 the date of the Rakhsa Bandhan celebration is the 19th of August.
It is essential that you are aware of the specific auspicious timings or Muhurat to perform rituals. By following the auspicious Muhurat, you can enhance the blessing and positive energy while celebrating Raksha Bandhan for kids.
Here are the auspicious times for celebrating Rakhi in 2024:
- The commencement of the Purnima Tithi: 03:04 AM on August 19, 2024.
- The culmination of the Purnima Tithi: 11:55 PM on August 19, 2024.
The auspicious Raksha Bandhan Muhurat, known as the Aparahna Time, will take place from 01:43 PM to 04:20 PM on August 19th, spanning 3 hours and 17 minutes.
Pradosh Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat: 06:56 PM - 09:08 PM (Time Duration: 2 Hours 52 Mins)
How to Ensure Your Baby Is Ready to Celebrate Rakhi?
The best way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan for kids is after their morning bath when they feel clean and fresh. You should also make sure that they are well-fed and happy. It is important for them to feel fresh and energetic so they can enjoy the celebration. They might not fully understand the meaning of the festival, but you could help them tie a rakhi or get one.
If he falls asleep, do it once he has woken up so that he is not cranky. Some babies get overwhelmed with the attention, crowd, and cameras. You should spend some time soothing your baby and going slow so that he does not feel overwhelmed by the celebration.
Must Read: Top 101 Hindu Baby Boy Names with Meaning
How to Choose the Right Rakhi for Kids?
It's best to use a simple rakhi made of soft threads. Go in for silken threads instead of cotton threads, as they hold better, and the dyes do not bleed.
You can get a small section of the thread in water to check if the colour bleeds. If the colour runs, your baby could ingest some while sucking on the rakhi. The dye may also cause allergies or rashes on your baby's tender skin.
If you are not sure of the quality of readymade rakhis, you can purchase some silken threads and prepare a rakhi at home. You need to keep your baby's safety in mind while you execute your Raksha Bandhan celebration ideas.
Avoid rakhis with any of the following as they may pose a choking risk or cause injury:
- beads
- semi-precious stones
- metallic threads or foil decorations
- plastic flowers and embellishments
- glitter or stickers that may come loose
- battery-operated musical attachments or lights
Choose Age-appropriate Raksha Bandhan Gifts
Choosing the right gift makes the Raksha Bandhan celebration more special. You can find the best rakhi gift in the budget that your little one’s sister will love.
Once your baby boy gets old enough to choose the rakhi gifts himself, you can teach him to please his sister during the celebration of Raksha Bandhan for baby. Doing so will help strengthen his bond with his sister.
Here are some of the best choices for rakhi gifts for your baby:
- Toys
- Cash
- Jewellery (Gold or Silver)
- Chocolate gift hampers
- Art and craft supplies
- Personalised stationery
- Photo frames
- Clothes
If you want to personalise the occasion with a Raksha Bandhan keepsake. Here are the options you can consider:
- A photo mug with a photo of both siblings
- Personalised calendars
- Photo frames
- T-shirts with a photo of both siblings
- Wall clocks with their photos
- A handprint of both siblings
How to Make Your Baby Comfortable During the Rakhi Function?
To make your baby comfortable during the celebration, make sure they are well-fed and happy. If your baby is hungry, he may get cranky. You should also make sure that your baby has had a good night's rest and that the diaper is clean. A warm water bath will help keep them fresh in the morning.
Raksha Bandhan falls in the monsoons, so it is important that your baby is dressed comfortably. Choose cotton clothing, as is is the most comfortable and safe fabric during baby rakhi. As much as you'd like to dress up your baby, it's best to avoid accessories that could irritate their skin and become a problem for your baby.
Safety Precautions For Your Baby's First Raksha Bandhan
While festivals are great fun, they do get a lot more cumbersome if there is a baby at home. Though fun can be guaranteed, a few extra precautions and raksha bandhan ideas for brother might just be necessary to keep them safe.
Here are a few things that you can keep in mind:
1. Be Careful With Sweets
Indian festivals are incomplete without sweets. If your baby is not too young and has started eating solid foods, you can give them a few sweets. However, be sure to feed them a few bites so that there is no health issue.
Too much sugar isn't good for anyone, so it's best to limit the amount of sweets. If your baby has not yet started eating solid foods, it is best not to give them any sweets while celebrating your baby’s rakhi.
2. Safety During Puja
You need to be very careful during puja because it involves aarti. Special precautions are needed with fire and ghee as it can be very dangerous for babies. Make sure that your baby is at a distance from the fire while celebrating Raksha Bandhan.
Create a safe distance away from the smoke. Once your baby grows a little older, you can engage them in the puja.
3. Extra Care While Applying Tika
Tika forms an integral part of puja but can prove to be an irritant to the sensitive skin of your baby. Go in for a chandan tika so that you can be certain that your baby will not be harmed by it. They can be easily wiped off. But make sure that the sandalwood powder is safe and of good quality.
Related Read: Tips to Keep Your Baby Happy and Healthy
The Bottom Line
Celebrating your baby's first Raksha Bandhan is a sweet experience that heralds the start of a beautiful tradition. Try to plan the celebration around your baby's routine to make sure that your baby is comfortable and happy. Dress them in soft, traditional attire and keep the festivities simple to avoid overwhelming them. Capture precious moments with photos and involve siblings in the rituals to foster a sense of bonding.
Make sure you give them age-appropriate sweets and keep safety in mind during the puja. This special day is not just about the rituals but about creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. Embrace the joy and love that Raksha Bandhan brings, making it a memorable first for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we tie Rakhi to a newborn baby?
Generally, we all tie a rakhi a little tighter around a wrist for comfort. However, this may cause discomfort for the newborn. Hence, ensure that the rakhi is loose around the baby's wrist for easy blood circulation. Avoid causing itching or rashes to the baby by not tying the rakhi too tightly.
How to explain Raksha Bandhan to a child?
Raksha Bandhan is a monotheistic Indian festival for relations of sisterly and brotherly respect and love. The Sanskrit words 'Raksha' means 'Protection', and 'Bandhan' is to tie.
A sister ties a red-and-gold Rakhi on her brother's wrist. She prays for his wellbeing and marks his forehead with red powder. This is a symbol of love and protection.
Can I dress my baby in traditional clothes for Rakhi?
Yes, it would be great to dress your baby in traditional clothes during his first rakhi celebration. However, ensure the clothes are comfortable and made of soft fabric. Try to avoid clothes with sequins, beads, or long drawstrings that could be uncomfortable for your baby.
Should I invite guests for my baby’s first Raksha Bandhan?
Yes, you should invite guests to celebrate your baby’s first Raksha Bandhan to make the occasion even more special. However ensure the gathering is comfortable for your baby, with a flexible schedule to take care of their needs. It is an amazing idea to enjoy your baby's first rakhi with family and friends.
