Celebrating Raksha Bandhan: Let your bhai know he's always in your heart

Raksha Bandhan, a festival that resonates with love, devotion, and familial ties, holds a significant place in the hearts of millions across the globe. This joyous occasion, celebrated with heartfelt enthusiasm, revolves around a beautiful tradition where sisters tie a sacred thread called ‘rakhi’ or ‘rakhri’ on their brothers' wrists.

Annual celebration and rakhi sales statistics

Raksha Bandhan is a significant Hindu festival that is celebrated every year across India and in various parts of the world. Typically falling in the month of August, this festival is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan. The festivities of Raksha Bandhan are marked with joyous celebrations, gifts, sweets, and family gatherings. As brothers meet their sisters, they receive the sacred threads, rakhi, tied lovingly on their wrists. Even when miles apart in different countries, the essence of Raksha Bandhan remains undeterred, as sisters uphold the tradition by sending rakhis overseas through international shipping services. 

In 2022, the festive spirit of Raksha Bandhan witnessed a surge, beating pre-COVID levels. For instance, in Ahmedabad, India, the General Merchants' Association reported a remarkable rise, with rakhi sales touching INR300-350 crore in 2022, a 50% increase compared to 2019. The demand reflects people's eagerness to embrace festivities after two challenging years of the pandemic, reaffirming the significance of Raksha Bandhan in keeping the bond of love and protection alive.

Global celebrations: How Raksha Bandhan crosses borders

Globalisation has played a significant role in spreading cultural traditions worldwide, and Raksha Bandhan is no exception. As Indians have immigrated to various countries seeking better opportunities and experiences, they have carried their cultural heritage. Raksha Bandhan has transcended borders and found its way into the hearts of Indian communities living overseas, making this festivity popular globally. Video calls between families make this celebration more accessible to those who cannot meet their loved ones in person. A phenomenon that became popular during periods of lockdown restrictions, it is now commonplace for families to video call among themselves and have the rakhi tied on behalf of their sisters.

With this, as we’ve recognised, comes increased sending of rakhis overseas. Whether you’ve purchased them online or from your favourite local stores, now, regardless of geographical barriers, siblings can send Rakhi and express their love, maintaining their cherished bond through these embroidered threads. 

International shipping of rakhi from India plays a significant role in keeping families connected, no matter where they are. Markets abroad, such as in Europe, the United States of America (USA), Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and others, experience high demand for sending rakhis and sweets, as the festival transcends geographical boundaries. With DHL Express’ extensive global shipping network, you can confidently send your heartfelt rakhi after purchasing online to these countries and beyond, ensuring that your brother receives your love and affection on this special occasion, no matter the distance. Our efficient and reliable international delivery services ensure that you can easily send rakhi to the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and other countries from India, fostering the spirit of Raksha Bandhan even across continents.

Whether your brother is in the bustling streets of New York, the serene landscapes of Canada, the vibrant cities of the UK, or even the bustling metropolis of Abu Dhabi, with DHL Express you can send your heartfelt rakhi and wishes from India to its destination abroad in a timely and secure manner. But why choose DHL Express when shipping rakhi overseas?

Benefits of express services when shipping rakhi overseas

When it comes to shipping rakhi overseas from India, considering express services becomes a wise choice due to two compelling reasons: speed and safety. With Raksha Bandhan being a time-sensitive festival, quick delivery is essential, especially for last-minute orders. Express services ensure the rakhi reaches its destination on or before the auspicious day, allowing sisters to send their love and blessings even at the eleventh hour.

Additionally, safety is paramount, especially during online delivery, considering the delicate nature of the rakhi, which holds immense sentimental value. Express services handle packages with care, reducing the risk of damage during transit, and ensuring the sacred threads reach the international location intact and unharmed.

DHL Express ensures that your rakhi reaches its destination overseas in the shortest possible time, making sure you don't miss the opportunity to celebrate this auspicious occasion with your brother. Moreover, you can have peace of mind knowing that your precious rakhi will be handled with the utmost care and delivered safely to your brother's doorstep with our reliable and secure shipping services.

Rakhi packing tips for safe shipping overseas

If you are sending rakhi to your brother abroad, here are some packing tips for safe shipping overseas to ensure a worry-free online delivery of your precious rakhi:

• Use protective packaging: You should use the best packaging materials for sending Rakhi abroad. Place the delicate rakhi in a small jewellery box or wrap it in bubble wrap to protect it from any damage during shipping overseas.

• Secure the threads: If you are wondering how to pack rakhi for shipping overseas, here's a helpful tip: tie the rakhi securely around a piece of cardboard or a small gift box to prevent it from tangling or getting entangled with other items in the package during transit or delivery.

• Choose sturdy shipping materials: Select a sturdy shipping box or envelope that provides ample space for the rakhi and additional padding to cushion it during transporting overseas.

• Add cushioning material: For secure international shipping of your rakhi, make sure to fill any empty spaces in the rakhi package with packing peanuts, shredded paper, or bubble wrap. The idea is to create a cushioning effect and avoid movement inside the packaging box.

• Label the package clearly: An important guideline for international delivery of rakhi to ensure a smooth shipping process is  to clearly label the packaging as ‘Fragile’ or ‘Handle with Care.’ This is to alert the shipping personnel about the delicate nature of the contents.

Documents required for overseas shipping with DHL Express

For a first-time shipper, customs clearance can be challenging, whether it is during Raksha Bandhan or any other occasion. Therefore, at DHL Express, we offer support to our customers facing issues regarding international shipping and guide them through our custom services. 

When shipping overseas with DHL Express, it is essential to provide the required export documents to ensure a smooth and efficient export process. One of the key documents required is the transport label, which contains all the necessary information that we need to keep your package moving through our network to its ultimate destination.

The transport label typically includes important details such as the shipper's and receiver's address and contact information abroad, a comprehensive description of the shipment contents, specifying the goods and the quantity of each item included. Additionally, it provides information about the number of packages or pieces in the shipment, the total weight of the shipment, and its dimensions. This information is vital for DHL Express to handle the package appropriately during transit.

Apart from the transport label, certain shipments abroad by DHL Express may require additional documents to accompany them, such as a customs invoice or destination-specific documents. The customs invoice, whether commercial or proforma, is provided by the shipper and is crucial for declaring relevant information to customs authorities for the purpose of clearance. Key data elements that should be included in the customs invoice are the shipper/exporter and receiver/importer address and contact details, identification numbers and/or tax IDs for the involved parties, a detailed breakdown of transaction costs as well as the currency code used in the transaction. Additionally, it should specify the Incoterm and the place of application, along with the reason for the export, such as sale, gift, return, or sample.

Depending on the nature of the shipment, some packages may also require a General Sanctions and Export Controls Letter of Indemnity or Warranty.

Ensuring that all the necessary documents, including the transport label and customs invoice, are accurately provided to DHL Express will help facilitate a seamless shipping process and enable timely customs clearance for your overseas shipments.

Embrace the Spirit of Raksha Bandhan with DHL Express

Send rakhi internationally to your brother and celebrate Raksha Bandhan with DHL Express. Even if miles separate you, let nothing stand in the way of wishing your brother a ‘Happy Raksha Bandhan’. DHL Express's international shipments make sure that your rakhi and heartfelt gifts reach your brother at the perfect time for the celebration. 

To make this occasion even more special, we are offering a flat 50% off on international packages.

To avail of this offer, simply give a missed call to 84229 30000 or SMS 'DHL' to 56161 and use the promo code ‘RAKHI’. This Raksha Bandhan, let us bring your siblings closer to your heart. Begin by selecting a DHL Express store near you.