History of Raksha Bandhan and Gift Ideas to celebrate A simple thread or colorfully decorated Rakhi on a man's wrist on the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan can only mean one thing, that he has a loving sister who loves and cares for him no matter what the situation is and that he in turn has promise to protect her life long. It is not the ceremony, customs and traditions that change over the time but it is only the celebration styles and viewpoints that become modern. For the centuries the Rakhi festival has been celebrated in the same way and with same enthusiasm. Raksha Bandhan in History: In India, there are many legends associated with the festival of Rakhi. Different heroes in Indian mythology and history with whom Rakhis are associated are: 1. Indra, 2. Yudhishtra, 3. Alexander The Great and King Puru, 4. Rani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun. Tips for Rakhi & Rakhi Gift Ideas: In India, Rakhi celebrations begin a month before the festival. To make this Rakhi day special and unique in it-self, one can find some fantastic Rakhi gift ideas mentioned below. Whether brother or sister, young or old, these Rakhi gift ideas are perfect, easily available in market/ online and economical for all. Rakhi Gift Ideas for Brothers: For Chote Bhaiyas, gift ideas like video games, toys, games CDs, cartoons, chocolates and other confectionery. For brothers who love to sport a style statement some trendy gifts will do a lot. One can go in for goggles, mobile phones, mobile cases, perfumes and deodorants, fashionable watches and belts. A bracelet style Silver or Gold Rakhi will also be appreciated by them. For Elder and Sober Brothers an executive shirt, organizers, portfolio bags, designer pens, ties and cuff links will be perfect Rakhi gift idea. For Brothers who are in school or colleges you can gift things which will be benefit for them like good reference book, nice novels, interesting CDs, etc. For married brothers you can go for household gifts like nice paintings, crockery items, handcrafted gift ideas, Sweet box, dry fruits will do a lot. Rakhi Gift Ideas for Sisters: For sisters who are fond of jewelry - Gift them some nice jewelry like pedants, rings, earrings, necklaces or even if your budget doesn’t suits above mentioned gift ideas then artificial jewelry is the craze all over the world. You can get it from online too. For fashion conscious sisters beaded and mirrored bags, handcrafted bags, fashion accessories, nice perfumes, fancy tops, ethnic jewelries, apparels are exciting and wonderful gift ideas. For little girls love to receive cute and huggable teddy bears, soft toys, chocolates, or some nice stationery items and last but not the least for married sisters there are always some household gifts like paintings, handicrafts, crockery items, wall hangings. And even perfumes and jewelry are other choices from which you can decide your Rakhi gifts. Rakhi Return Gift Traditions: Goddess Laxmi tied rakhi to Raja Bali and he in turn fulfilled her wish to return to her abode with Narayana. Humayun reached out to help Rani Karmawati accepting her Rakhi. And thus, sending Rakhi Return Gifts are a part of the Rakhi traditions. The Rakhi Return Gifts are in-fact the acceptance of the sisterly love. Another good reason for sending the return gifts on Rakhi is that sisters come to their parents and brothers house. As a tradition, she has to be bestowed with gifts when she is going back. In early days brothers used to give cash to sisters as return gifts. But now-a-days gift articles are sent as Rakhi Return Gifts. Return Gifts can be anything from apparels to electronic goods and cosmetics to jewelry. Even flowers, chocolates, sweets, toys are considered as a perfect return gifts On emotional side you can send something that reminds you of the childhood days, the fun filled, carefree, naughty times spent together. All one needs is just to keep in mind the tastes and interests of sisters and brothers while sending Rakhi Gifts. Remember to send gifts with sweets, cards or chocolates. Sweet accompaniments are always essentials of any festival celebration. So, celebrate this wonderful festival of Raksha Bandhan with your friends, brothers, sisters and friends and wish the well being and prosperity of all your loved ones.
ET's got your look at Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky on their wedding day -- including the details behind Chelsea's bridal fashion!
Chelsea's show-stopping wedding gown was designed by Vera Wang, a family friend. Marc's tuxedo, as well as former President Bill Clinton's tie were designed by Christopher Bailey at Burberry, a good friend of the couple's.
The mother of the bride, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, wore a gown designed by her friend, famed designer Oscar de la Renta.
Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton has married longtime boyfriend Marc Mezvinsky!
The nuptials took place Saturday evening at the lavish Astor Court estate in Rhinebeck, New York, where the couple exchanged vows before hundreds of guests. Clinton's famous parents -- former President Bill Clinton and current U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton -- were by their daughter's side for the "I Dos."
The proud parents released the following statement to ET: "Today, we watched with great pride and overwhelming emotion as Chelsea and Marc wed in a beautiful ceremony at Astor Courts, surrounded by family and their close friends. We could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the beginning of their life together, and we are so happy to welcome Marc into our family. On behalf of the newlyweds, we want to give special thanks to the people of Rhinebeck for welcoming us and to everyone for their well-wishes on this special day."
Chelsea Clinton's star-studded nuptials are underway right now at the exclusive Astor Courts estate in Rhinebeck, New York. Read on for more...
The bride-to-be arrived at the wedding site earlier Saturday morning, followed by her famous mom's arrival at 5:10 p.m. EST. A presidential motorcade was making its way to the location about one hour ago, and we're told that the V.I.P. passenger aboard was none other than Chelsea's dad, former President Bill Clinton.
Check back here for the latest wedding developments, including the pronouncement of "Husband and Wife"!
A presidential motorcade is on its way to the site of Chelsea Clinton's nuptials, and we're told that the V.I.P. passenger aboard is none other than Chelsea's dad, former President Bill Clinton.
A police official also tells us that Hillary Clinton arrived at the wedding site, Astor Courts, around 5:10 p.m. EST, while bride-to-be Chelsea got there early this morning.
Keep checking back here for the latest as the countdown to Chelsea's wedding continues!
With Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky's wedding expected to get underway in about two hours, their guests are on the go aboard party busses, and we’ve got the details.
At 4:45 p.m. EST the party busses arrived at a security check point en route to Astor Courts, the scenic Hudson River estate where the nuptials are expected to take place.
On Friday, Astor Courts was reportedly ramping up its wedding preps by installing two helicopter landing pads on its grounds.
ET is on the ground in Rhinebeck, New York -- where Chelsea Clinton is expected to get married Saturday evening -- and we've got the 411 on famous faces spotted out around town!
Big names sighted on Saturday so far include Ted Danson and wife Mary Steenburgen, wedding dress designer Vera Wang, and longtime Clinton political allies including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe and former Bill Clinton advisor Vernon Jordan.
Also spotted was movie producer Steve Bing, who lent his private plane to the former president when Clinton flew to North Korea to help bring home Laura Ling and Euna Lee, the two American journalists who'd been imprisoned in the Asian country.
Pre-wedding fever has officially gripped Rhinebeck, New York –- the small town where Chelsea Clinton is expected to tie the knot with Marc Mezvinsky on Saturday evening.
See some of the humorous and touching sights from around Rhinebeck. Then, keep checking back here for the latest as we remain on wedding watch!
