Who Says Lumba Rakhi Is Just for Bhabhi? Celebrate Every Woman Who Protects

A Lumba rakhi is traditionally tied on the bhabhi's bangle, so most of us never think to tie one for anyone else. But the promise at the heart of Raksha Bandhan is protection, and there are usually several women in your life who have been quietly doing exactly that for years.

What is a Lumba rakhi?

A Lumba rakhi is a rakhi made to hang from a bangle rather than tie around a wrist. It is traditionally given to the bhabhi, the sister-in-law, so she is included in the Raksha Bandhan ritual alongside her husband. The dangling shape is what makes it a Lumba rather than a regular rakhi.

Can you tie a Lumba rakhi for your mother?

Yes. Nothing in the ritual restricts a Lumba rakhi to a sister-in-law. If your mother is the person who has protected you longest, tying her a Lumba rakhi is a way of saying that out loud. More families now include mothers, sisters and close friends in the same gesture.

Who else can you tie one for?

• Your mother, for years of protection you probably never thanked her for properly.
• A sister, or the friend who became family, the one who shows up without being asked.
• A mentor, who steered you away from mistakes you could not see coming.
• Your bhabhi, who the tradition already honours, and who still deserves it.

Why choose a natural stone Lumba rakhi?

A printed thread is usually in a drawer by the weekend. A Lumba rakhi strung with real stones is something she can keep. Our Balance 7 Chakra Lumba Rakhi uses seven natural stones, one for each chakra in the traditional system, each stone traditionally associated with a different quality such as balance, calm or confidence.

These are traditional associations rather than promises, and that is the honest way to give one. The reason to choose stone is simpler: it is a real object, made to outlast the afternoon.

How do you care for a stone Lumba rakhi?

Keep natural stones away from prolonged water. Stone is porous and the fittings can rust, so it is best not to wear one in the shower or the pool. Wipe it dry if it gets wet and store it out of direct sunlight, and it will keep its colour for years.

Making the gesture, not just the purchase

When you tie it, say what you are thanking her for. Name the moment she protected you, backed you or simply stayed. That is the part she will remember long after the thread is put away, and it costs nothing.

You can see the full range on our Rakhi 2026 collection, including Lumba designs for bhabhi, mothers and sisters.