Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival that honors the relationship between siblings, observed on the full moon day of the Shravana month. The main event of this celebration of a brother’s unwavering love and protective instincts for his sister is the sister tying a holy thread, or Rakhi around her brother’s wrist as a sign of her devotion and prayers for his safety.

History

Yamuna and Yama

The legend of Yama and Yamuna is among the most well-known stories associated with Raksha Bandhan. Yamuna is the river Goddess and Yama is the God of death. As per the legend, Yama promised to save Yamuna from death when she wrapped a thread around his wrist. This led to the custom of wrapping a brother’s wrist in a Rakhi (thread).

Draupadi and Krishna

When Lord Krishna tried to use the Sudarshana Chakra against Shishupal in the epic Mahabharata, he cut his finger. When Draupadi saw this, she ripped a piece of fabric from her saree and wrapped it around his finger to halt the bleeding. This tender and loving act deeply touched Krishna, who saw the cloth as a holy thread representing the love of a sister. He promised to always keep Draupadi safe during her difficult times. As he had promised, Krishna stood up for her honor when she was being undressed in the Kaurava court.

Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of brotherhood, love, and protection. On this day, sisters show their love and care for their brothers, and brothers pledge to keep their sisters safe. The celebration also serves to deepen the ties.

Tradition and Rituals

The principal custom of Raksha Bandhan entails the sisters tying a rakhi on the brothers’ wrist, usually a colored string or a tiny piece of material adornment. This act depicts the kind of love and prayers the sister has for her brother and his success in life. Brothers are supposed to defend their sisters and sisters also receive a token of love.

Preparations and Celebrations

Festive preparations for Raksha Bandhan are generally started at least a week or ten days before the festival. Sisters visit shops to make purchases of rakhis and other festive gear, and on the other hand, the brothers purchase gifts for their sisters. On the day of the festival, families come together to perform the ritual, which usually includes:

1. Pooja (Prayer Ceremony): The sisters prepare pooja patra or a pooja thali that has the rakhi, sweets, and a diya. It also involves placing a tilak—a colorful powder mark– on the forehead of the brother, tying of the rakhi and reciting a prayer for brother’s wealth and health.

2. Feasting: It is also celebrated with great enthusiasm through the consumption of different meals. People generally cook sweets like kaju katli, barfi, laddoos, etc for the festival.

3. Gift Exchange: Once the rakhis are tied onto the brothers’ wrist, they give their sisters anything starting from cash to jewelry or even cloths. This exchange increases the affection and contributes to the holiday mood.  

Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the enduring bond between siblings, enriched by love and rooted in tradition, rather than just a festival. Though they differ slightly between families and regions, its rituals and customs strongly emphasize on the fundamental principles of love, respect, and safety. The festival’s essence endures as a reminder of the value and strength of familial bonds, even as it evolves and grows.

Raksha Bandhan is a wonderful celebration of the unique bond between brothers and sisters, promoting a sense of togetherness and joy that transcends time and distance.