Have you got a question about our Forever Tied in Love campaign for Raksha Bandhan?
Whether it's about delivery, your Rakhi itself or something else, please check out our Q and A below.
How do I request a Rakhi?
We have now closed ordering for this Raksha Bandhan. We may still have a few Rakhis remaining, please contact cherie.hope@sands.org.uk to enquire.
When will I receive my Rakhi?
We have now posted out Rakhis to all those who requested one. You should have received an email confirmation to confirm this.
The Rakhis have been sent out via Royal Mail, second class, but these should arrive around 5th - 6th August in plenty of time for Raksha Bandhan.
Can I order Rakhis for my organisation?
Ordering has now closed for this Raksha Bandhan, however if we have a few remaining, we may be able to help. Please email cherie.hope@sands.org.uk to find out more or to register your interest for Raksha Bandhan 2026.
How many Rakhis can I request?
You can request one for each sibling. If you need more than 5, please do get in touch so we can help.
Why is stock of the Rakhis limited?
Our Rakhis have kindly been handknitted by Knit Your Socks Off, a volunteer group. While they have said they may be able to make more than we have originally requested, we cannot guarantee they will have time to do so, therefore we are suggesting one Rakhi per sibling, but if you need more, please do get in touch.
Raksha Bandhan is being observed on the 8th August in the UK, but the 9th August in India – which day do I celebrate?
You can choose to celebrate on whichever date feels right for you.
Why are some of my Rakhis different to each other?
Because each Rakhi is handmade, you may notice some variations between each of them. There are several knitters in the group and they’ve each taken time to create these Rakhis for the Forever Tied in Love campaign. We also feel that with each Rakhi being slightly different, it adds to the individuality and uniqueness of each sibling being honoured.
Where does Raksha Bandhan originate from?
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that has been celebrated for over two thousand years. Although its exact origins are not known, stories and celebrations of this bond have been passed down through generations, making it one of the oldest festivals honouring the connection between siblings.
I haven’t received my Rakhi yet, what should I do?
The Rakhis have all now been posted out. You should have received an email confirmation telling you once your Rakhi(s) have been posted, but our aim is for these to arrive around 5th - 6th August in plenty of time for Raksha Bandhan. If you haven’t received your Rakhi by the end of 6th August, please contact cherie.hope@sands.org.uk.
Do I have to buy my Rakhi?
No. There is no charge for your Rakhi. However if you would like to donate in support of the campaign, you can do so on our donation page.
Why do the donation amounts include an extra £1 (for example £11, £21, £51)?
In many South Asian cultures, it is traditional to gift money for auspicious occasions in uneven amounts, such as £11 instead of £10 or £101 instead of £100. The extra £1 is not random, instead this is a heartfelt gesture which is given as a continuation.
This gesture symbolises the wish that blessings, love and connection should continue and never come to an end. It reflects a heartfelt intention that what is being shared will continue beyond the moment.
This tradition holds special meaning during Raksha Bandhan. When a sister ties a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, he will often give her a shagan (money) as a token of love and appreciation) in return. This token will often be an uneven amount compassing of the additional £1. That extra pound is a quiet yet powerful way of saying, “Let this bond, and the love it represents, carry on.”
By inviting donations of £11, £21, £51 or £101, we are honouring this tradition of continuation and bringing its meaning into our work supporting families affected by baby loss.