Rakhi Thali decoration is as important
as the other rituals of this festival. Traditionally the Rakhi Thali is the
same as the Thali for the pooja of the deities. It contains a diya, roli or
tika, rice, sandalwood and incense sticks. In this thali, the Rakhis are
kept along with the moli.
One can come across a lot many variations of Rakhi Thali available in the
market. It can be of silver or brass or simple steel. They may have fixed
containers and stands for the various components of the Pooja or have
complimenting incense stick stands and diyas, containers for rice and roli
and place to keep sweets.
Essentials of Rakhi Thali decoration
People can also decorate the Rakhi Thali as per their choice. The most
essential jowb is to make a Swastika or a symbol of Lord Ganesha at the
centre of the thali. Many tiny containers are required for roli, rice and
water, a diya and an incense stick stand. Rakhi and flowers can be places in
the Thali itself and sweets can accompany in a separate plate.
Thali
with Betal Leaves
Betel leaves can also be used as a replacement of the containers. Some
people make use of betel leaves to decorate rakhi thali and make the
occasion all the more special and memorable. You can also arrange roli, rice
particles, sweets and other things on separate betel leaves.
Thali
with Banana Leaves
In order to give a complete festive look to an ordinary thali, Banana
leaves can also be kept. The various pooja ingredients can be arranged
beautifully on banana leaves to enhance the look and create a n entire
festive ambiance around you.
Floral
Thali
Different fresh colorful flowers can also be used to decorate Rakhi thali.
One can either fill the thali with flowers or decorate them only on its
boundary. Instead of entire flower only the petals of flower can also be
used for decoration.
Dry-fruits
Thali
Dry-fruits like cashew nuts, chestnuts, raisins, cocoa nut, pistachio,
almond, betel nut etc. can also be used separately or combined for Rakhi
thali decoration. Circles of different dry- fruits can be made on the thali
which gives a colorful and soothing look.
Roli-turmeric
Thali
Roli and turmeric are another options to be used in the decoration of rakhi
thali. These can be used as semi-solid paste by adding little water. The red
and yellow combination of these two ingredients will give a traditional look
to your Thali.
Ideas to decorate Rakhi Thali with Sandalwood
- • Spread the sandalwood paste over entire thali. After it is
dry, make an auspicious Swastika with Roli at the centre of the thali.
- • Decorate the space between Swastika with yellow petals of
marigold, and the entire swastika with a boundary box of rose petals.
Circle edge boundary of Thali with rose petals.
- • Decorate the Thali fringe with satin, beads and tassels.
- • Place beetle leaves at the center and on four sides of the
Thali. Place roli, Rakhi, akshat and sweets on all four beetle leaves.
Place the diya on the center beetle leaf.
- • Decorate the space between beetle leaves with dry fruits.
- • The Thali is now ready for Rakhi tying ceremony.
