Raksha Bandhan Festival

Raksha Bandhan’s basic idea is to honour the bond between brothers and sisters. In fact, the words “raksha bandhan” mean “bond of protection.” The main events of the holiday involve sisters tying a “rakhi,” a kind of sacred thread, around the wrist of their brothers. This is to indicate their love for their brothers. The brother, in turn, gives his sisters gifts that indicate his commitment to protecting them.

Today, rakhi threads are sometimes given to “non-sisters.” For example, priests may tie them on the wrists of congregants, friends may exchange them, and others tie them around the wrists of Indian soldiers. In these cases, the rakhi indicates simply protection rather than a brother-sister relationship. The rakhis are very colourful, made of red and golden threads that are intertwined. But there is more going on than just the exchange of rakhis on Raksha Bandhan. You will also observe traditional singing and dancing, find Indian sweets and souvenirs for sale, and see various local cultural celebrations.

History of Raksha Bandhan
This ancient Hindu festival is also known as Rakhi Purnima. It is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month 'Shravana'. It is a public holiday in several regions in India, dependant on what day of the week it falls on.

Why Raksha Bandhan is celebrated
Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. As the concept of love and duty between siblings is universal, this festival is popular with many cultures in India and transcends its Hindu origin. To mark their relationship, on the morning of Raksha Bandhan, the sister and brother will gather together with their family. Often in front of a lamp, the sister ties a rakhi (thread) on her brother's right wrist. This symbolises their emotional bond and the renews the vow of the brother to protect his sister. Rakhis can also be used to celebrate other relationships between friends and neighbours. It is said that giving a Rakhi is a polite way for a girl to put someone from the opposite sex who is making unwanted romantic advances into the friend-zone.