Raksha Bandhan is a most popular Hindu festival celebrated across the country.Raksha Bandhan is every year celebrated in the gujarati month of Shravan on the first Poornima (full moon night).The preparations begin much in advance. Some twenty days ahead of the festival you can see colorful rakhis in the market. Girls start the shopping and preparations quite early. The shop for new clothes and buy rakhis specially the ones that have to be sent to the brothers staying far. The sweet shops, the garment shops, gift shops, all are flooded with things to
attract people.
On this day in the morning, sisters prepare variety of dishes. After this, plate used for worshiping is decorated. Together with Rakhi, saffron, turmeric, rice, lamps, incense sticks, sweet and some money is kept in the plate. A suitable place is chosen for brother, to be seated. After this, auspicious mark on(Tilak) forehead of brother is made with saffron, turmeric and rice. Akshat(rice used in worship), scattered on head. Aarti is performed.She then proceeds to first tie the Rakhi on her brothers wrist and then feed him the sweets. In return, the brother gives sister some gift or blessings in the form of gift. 
The Raksha Bandhan ceremony ends here and the celebrations begin.Femily singing a Rakhi Songs. The family reunion itself is the reason for celebration. Tasty dishes, sweets, gifts, sing and dance and what not. Any Indianfestival is incomplete without this.
Many parts of India and other Asian nations celebrate Raksha Bandhan in a slightly different manner. The festival is also called as Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal Poornima and Kajari Poornima in different states and is celebrated differently.
Narial Poornima in Maharashtra
This festival is also known as Nariyal Poornima in Mumbai.Coconuts are thrown in to the sea to propitiate the Sea God, Varuna, who is the chief object of worship on this occasion.The 'three eyes' of the coconut are believed to represent the three-eyed Shiva and hence is of immense religious significance.
Avani Avittam in South India
This festival is called Avani Avittam in South India.This is the time of Upakarmam, and celebrated in various ways.On this particular day, Hindu Brahmins wear a new holy thread and offer libations of water to the ancient sages.
Kajari Purnima
In the parts of Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Chhatisgarh, Rakshabandhan is celebrated in the form of Kajari Purnima. This day is an important occasion for the farmers and women. Rituals begin from Kajari Navami, five days before the full moon day.
Celebration in Jammu
In Jammu, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in quite a different manner. It’s just like the Kite-Flying festival! The kite flying begins almost one month before the festival and the locals enjoy the festival thoroughly. It’s not just the small traditional kites but kites of all shapes, colours and sizes are used. The locals use a special string for flying the kites.
