Raksha Bandhan (రక్షా బంధన్)
Shravana · Aug · North
A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a colorful decorative thread called a rakhi around their brothers' wrists. The rakhi is a symbol of the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and in return, the brother promises to protect and support his sister. Brothers typically give gifts or money in return. The festival has ancient roots: one popular story tells of Draupadi tearing a strip from her saree to bandage Krishna's bleeding wrist, and Krishna being so moved that he promised to always protect her (which he later fulfilled during the infamous dice game in the Mahabharata). Another story connects it to Indra's wife Sachi tying a protective thread on Indra's wrist before he went to battle the demon Vritra. Raksha Bandhan is more prominently celebrated in North India, Punjab, Rajasthan, and the Hindi-speaking states, where it is a major family occasion. In Telugu states, the equivalent tradition falls on Narali Pournami or is simply celebrated alongside the northern tradition. In America, the festival has taken on added significance for Indian families as a way to keep siblings connected to their cultural roots, especially when brothers and sisters may live in different cities.
Why it matters
Celebrates the sacred bond between siblings. The thread is a symbol of love, prayer, and a brother's duty to protect his sister. The festival reinforces family bonds and the value of looking out for one another.
Traditions
- Sisters tie rakhi on brothers' wrists
- Brothers give gifts/money
- Special sweets and family meals
Dates
- 2025: 2025-08-09
- 2026: 2026-08-28
- 2027: 2027-08-17