Marwari Tradition Of Lumba Rakhi for Women

I was back in office the next day after Raksha Bandhan when I noticed one of my female co-workers had multiple rakhis tied on her hand. Intrigued, I asked her why she had them on. She said this is called Lumba Rakhi. Our conversation  from there was so interesting that I decided to write a post on this unique festive tradition.

Lumba Rakhi Tradition

Lumba Rakhi is a traditional custom in the Marwari community, originally from Rajasthan. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, the sister will tie a rakhi not only to her brother but also her sister-in-law (bhabhi). It is believed among the Marwari community that once the brother is married, the wife completes him, so the sister will tie a traditional rakhi to her brother and a lumba rakhi to her sister-in-law to take blessings from both. Lumba Rakhi is tied to a bangle and hangs like a pendant from the wrist.

But that’s not all. As our conversation proceeded, I learnt of another interesting and lovely tradition among the Marwaris. The older women such as bua (aunt) will tie a rakhi to a younger girl family member(s). She ties it as a vow of care and protection towards the younger girl, much like a brother’s vow. This explained why my colleague (among the younger members in her family) had rakhis on her hand.

Traditional lumba rakhi worn by women mainly in the Marwari community of Rajasthan

Getting to know of a tradition where women tied rakhis to other women and took vows to protect, much like the brothers did, spoke of empowerment, as well as unconventionality. Notably, this isn’t a recent phenomenon but an age-old tradition among the Marwari community, followed till date.

I requested my colleague to allow me to share a picture of her with her family from the ceremony. I managed to convince her.

lumba rakhi tradition
The family that was the inspiration and source of information for this post. My thank-you’s!

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Liked this post on Lumba Rakhi? Also check out….

a) Rajput practice of Jauhar among women of Chittorgarh

b) My guide to eating local food in Jaisalmer

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Armchair travel

a) Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan: The Central and Western Rajput States of India 

b) Marwaris: Business, Culture and Tradition