The festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan is coming up and shall be celebrated all over India with much enthusiasm. The day falls on the full moon day of Shraavanamasa, known as the Shravana Poornima.

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival and is an occasion that highlights the love between brothers and sisters.

The term ‘Raksh Bandhan’ means ‘bond of protection’. On the day, sisters tie an amulet around the brother’s wrist and pray for them.

The brothers meanwhile vow to protect and take care of the sisters. In North India the occasion is also known as ‘Rakhi’.

Normally it is a silk thread that is tied on the brothers’ wrist. However, amulets with different kinds of decorations in various materials are also now available across the country. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters go to their brothers’ house and perform a puja on them. This includes applying kumkum and rice grains on him. The brothers in turn presents them with a gift.

The tradition of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ traces its roots back to the ancient times. Those days, a married woman used to tie a ‘Rakshaa’ on her husband’s wrist to ward off the evil forces.

This custom is said to have gradually evolved into today’s form of ‘Raksha Bandhan’.