Raksha Bandhan
रक्षा बंधन
Sisters tie a decorative thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love and protection. Brothers give gifts and promise to look after their sisters.
Why We Celebrate
Raksha Bandhan (meaning "bond of protection") has roots in multiple legends. In one, Draupadi tore a strip from her sari to bandage Krishna's bleeding wrist, and he vowed to protect her. In another, Indrani tied a thread blessed by Lord Vishnu on Indra's wrist before his battle with Vritra. The festival celebrates the sacred bond between siblings and the promise of mutual care, extending beyond biological ties to any protective relationship.
Raksha Bandhan, meaning "bond of protection," celebrates the sacred relationship between brothers and sisters. The most famous legend involves Draupadi and Lord Krishna. When Krishna cut his finger on the Sudarshan Chakra, Draupadi tore a piece of her sari to bandage his wound. Moved by her care, Krishna vowed to protect her always — a promise he kept by providing her with endless fabric when she was humiliated in the Kaurava court.
Another legend tells of Goddess Lakshmi tying a rakhi (sacred thread) on the wrist of King Bali to protect him, and in return, he granted her wish to free Lord Vishnu from his service. The festival also recalls how Indrani, the wife of Lord Indra, tied a protective thread blessed by Vishnu on Indra's wrist before his battle with the demon Vritra — the thread brought him victory.
Today, sisters tie colorful rakhis on their brothers' wrists while praying for their well-being, and brothers give gifts and promise lifelong protection. The bond extends beyond blood relations — women tie rakhis on the wrists of friends, neighbors, and even soldiers, making it a celebration of all protective and caring relationships.
How It's Celebrated
Sisters prepare a puja thali with rakhi, roli (kumkum), rice, sweets, and a diya
Apply a tilak of roli and rice on your brother's forehead
Tie the rakhi on the right wrist while reciting a prayer for their well-being
Offer sweets to each other
Brothers give gifts or money (shagun) and promise protection
Families gather for a festive meal together
Regional Variations
What You Need
- Rakhi threads (can be handmade or bought)
- Roli (kumkum) and rice grains (akshat)
- Small diya or oil lamp
- Sweets (mithai) like barfi or laddu
- Puja thali (decorated plate)
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Did You Know?
- ✦When Draupadi tore a piece of her sari to bandage Krishna's wounded finger, he promised to protect her — a vow he fulfilled by providing endless fabric during her humiliation in the Kaurava court.
- ✦During India's independence movement, Rabindranath Tagore encouraged people to tie rakhis to members of other communities to promote Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood.
- ✦Raksha Bandhan isn't just for biological brothers — sisters tie rakhis on cousins, close friends, and even soldiers, making it a celebration of all protective and caring relationships.
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