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'Raksha Bandhan' or 'Rakhi' is a special occasion for celebrating special brother and sister bonding and affection by tying a holy thread called 'Rakhi' around the wrist of the brother. Rakhi is a symbol of a 'bond of protection,' and Raksha Bandhan represents the brother's obligation to defend his sister in all circumstances and at all costs. In a broader sense, it also means that the powerful must defend the vulnerable from all evil.

Why Do We Celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

On the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavan, which occurs in August, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated throughout India. It is currently often referred to by the Sanskrit name "Raksha Bandhan", which means "bond of protection, obligation, or care."

There are a few stories associated with this day, and one dates back to the Mahabharata era. Raksha Bandhan, like most Hindu ceremonies, has a long history and mythology. Legend has it that during the Mahabharat events, when Lord Krishna unintentionally cut his finger on his "sudarshan chakra," Princess Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and wrapped it around his finger to stop the bleeding. This gesture moved Lord Krishna so much that he promised to always protect and cherish her forever.

There is another story related to King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. According to Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, after Lord Vishnu conquered the three realms of the demon King Bali, the demon king requested him to dwell beside him in the palace. The Lord agreed to the request and began living with the demon king. However, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu's wife, desired to return to his birthplace of Vaikuntha. So she wrapped the rakhi around the wrist of Bali, the demon king, and made him her brother. When asked about the return gift, Goddess Lakshmi requested that Bali release her husband from the promise and allow him to return to Vaikuntha. Lord Vishnu returned to his home with his wife, Goddess Lakshmi, when Bali agreed to the request.

Raksha Bandhan Recipes

The sumptuous cuisine served at Indian festivals is one of the most pleasant aspects of such special events. Raksha Bandhan is a feast day for brothers and sisters, who prepare their favourite delicacies to grace the dinner table. This day is typically marked by the preparation of delectable Indian desserts and mouth-watering snack recipes. Here at Vasant Masala, we'll have a look at some of the quick and easy delicious rakhi special recipes. 

Rakhi Recipe-Cucumber Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 1 Large Cucumber
  • 1/2 Cup Lemon Juice 
  • 1 Tsp Lemon Zest
  • 3/4 Cup Sugar or Honey
  • 6 Cups Water
  • 3/4 Tsp Salt 
  • Few Ice Cubes

Method:

  • Wash and peel the cucumber, then cut it into big pieces and set it for garnishing.
  • Chop cucumbers (remove seeds if there are too many), add 2 glasses of water to the blender with cucumber chunks, and sugar.
  • Blend for 3-4 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. In a large mixing bowl, sieve the drink and add the remaining water.
  • Stir in the salt, lemon juice, ice cubes, and lemon zest. If desired, sieve once more.
  • Pour into serving glasses, top with extra ice cubes if desired, or chill and serve with cucumber slices or lemon wedges as garnish.

Rakhi Recipe-Oats Cutlet

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup Roasted Oats
  • 1/2 Cup Paneer
  • 4 Tbsp Grated Carrot
  • 1 Cup Boiled Potato
  • 1 Tsp Ginger Paste
  • 2 Tbsp Refined Oil
  • Salt as Required
  • 1/2 Tsp Garam Masala Powder
  • 1 Tsp Chilli Powder
  • 1 Tsp Green Chilli Paste

Method:

  • To begin this oats cutlet recipe, remove the skins from the cooked potatoes and mash them thoroughly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, mashed potatoes, ginger paste, green chilli paste, shredded carrots, salt, chilli powder, and garam masala powder. In a mixing bowl, crumble the paneer and stir thoroughly to form a dough-like consistency.
  • Take small portions of the dough and roll them into little balls using your palms. Once the balls have been made, flatten them with your hands to form cutlets.
  • Finally, heat a saucepan over medium heat and coat it well with 2 tablespoons of refined oil. Cook the prepared cutlets on both sides in the pan.
  • When the oats cutlet has achieved a golden-brown colour, remove from the heat and serve with green chutney and tomato ketchup. 

Rakhi Recipe-Burrito

Ingredients:

For Salsa Sauce:

  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 1 Onion
  • 2 Jalapeno
  • 1 Lime
  • 1 Tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper Powder
  • 4 Corn tortillas
  • Coriander Leaves
  • Handful of chives of spring onion
  • Salt to Taste

Method:

Salsa Sauce: 

  • The tomatoes, onions and jalapenos should be finely chopped before adding them to the dish.
  • Combine tomatoes, onion, chives and spring onions, chopped jalapenos, and 1 lime in a mixing dish.
  • Season with cumin seeds, salt, pepper, and olive oil, then garnish with coriander leaves for freshness. Combine them thoroughly.

Burrito:

  • Add olive oil to a pan and heat it for a few minutes. Add kidney beans and mash them gently and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Allow the beans to simmer for a few minutes after adding the cumin powder, coriander powder, and chilli powder. Then, to enhance the taste of the kidney beans, add tabasco sauce and half a lime.
  • Chop some onions and toss them in with the kidney beans.
  • Place a corn tortilla on a platter and top with the kidney bean mixture, salsa sauce, and coriander leaves, and season it with some salt and pepper.
  • Fold the tortilla and place it in a baking dish that has been coated with olive oil.
  • Place a layer of mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 8-10 minutes at 180 degrees. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Raksha Bandhan Sweets-Coconut Laddoos

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Cup of Desiccated Coconut
  • 1 Cup Condensed Milk
  • 1/2 Cup Mixed Dry Fruits

Method: 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup desiccated coconut and condensed milk. Depending on the quality of your coconut, you may need a bit more or less condensed milk.
  • To mix, thoroughly blend all of the ingredients.
  • Take a little bit of the mixture and flatten it between your palms to form a smooth round ball-laddoo shape. This will be quite fragile, so don't put too much pressure on it.
  • Place desiccated coconut and prepared laddoo in a separate bowl or platter. Roll the laddoo in dry coconut all over, then, if necessary, roll it again to form it.
  • Add some dry fruits on top to finish it off.

These may not be Raksha Bandhan traditional food recipes, but trying these rakhi recipes will make your and your siblings' day much more special.