Types of Rakhi Explained, from Mauli to Kundan
Thread, silk, rudraksha, kundan, bracelet, lumba, kids and seed rakhis. What each one is, who it suits and how long it lasts on the wrist.
The short answer
- Elder brother or grandfather: mauli, rudraksha or chandan.
- Office or college: bracelet or a slim silk rakhi.
- Festival day sparkle: kundan or pearl.
- Bhabhi: lumba. Little ones: sturdy kids' rakhis.
Standing in front of a hundred rakhis, it is easy to pick the shiniest one and regret it when it snags on his sleeve by noon. Our advice is simple: first think about how long he will wear it, then choose the style.
Mauli or kalava rakhi
The oldest kind: red and yellow cotton thread, the same kalava tied at pujas. Elders often prefer it because it is about the feeling rather than the decoration. It survives a bath and many brothers leave it on for weeks.
Silk and zari rakhis
Silk thread with zari or gota work. Light, pretty and very common in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Keep it away from water, or the zari slowly darkens.
Rudraksha and chandan rakhis
A good fit for families who keep a daily puja. A rudraksha rakhi can later be taken off and placed in the puja corner. Chandan beads keep a faint fragrance for days.
Kundan, pearl and designer rakhis
Jaipur's kundan and meenakari rakhis are the ones that catch the light in festival photos. They are made to be worn for the day and then kept as a keepsake. For daily wear they can feel heavy.
Bracelet rakhis
The first choice of brothers who go to an office or a college. They close with a hook instead of a knot, sit comfortably next to a watch and can be worn long after the festival.
Lumba rakhis
The hanging rakhi for bhabhi, tied on her bangle. We have a full explainer on lumba, and a guide to choosing a matching bhaiya-bhabhi pair.
Kids' rakhis
For a little brother, look past the decoration to the build. Avoid small parts that can come loose and end up in a mouth. Light-up rakhis are a favourite, but the battery cover should be screwed shut.
Seed rakhis
A newer idea: a rakhi with a tulsi or flower seed at its centre. After the festival it goes into a pot and, with a little luck, sprouts. You can even make one at home. One caution: do not post seed rakhis to Australia or New Zealand, where seeds are tightly controlled.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on how long he will wear it. Mauli or rudraksha for someone who keeps it on for weeks, a bracelet rakhi for office or college, and kundan for the festival day itself.
Choose one without small detachable parts. If it has lights, the battery cover should be screwed shut.
Not to Australia or New Zealand, which have strict rules on seeds. Check the rules of other countries before posting one.
Picked for this guide
From our family shops in Jaipur. Prices were checked when we picked them; the shop page always shows today's price.
Designer rakhi
32% off
rakhiz.com
Stunning Bond of Love Sun Stone Rakhi
₹210
Bracelet rakhi
28% off
rakhiz.com
Rudraksh Shiva Symbol Bracelet Rakhi for Brother
₹260
Auspicious rakhi
36% off
rakhiz.com
Auspicious Krishna and Peacock Designer Rakhi
₹180
Mulmul saree
46% off
theblockart.com
Sunset Bloom Hand Block Cotton Saree, Yellow and Rani Pink
₹1,190
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