An Indian festival by origin, its celebration is marked with the purpose of protection and love. Various tales surround its origin.
The oldest story stems from the days when devas (gods) and asuras (non-gods) were engaged in a brutal struggle to rule the creation. Indra, the king of devas, was defeated several times. Indrani, his wife, having performed penance, tied a bond of protection on his wrist which, it is believed, gave him the power to defeat the asuras.

Another legend dates back to 300 BC when Alexander the Great King had invaded the Indian sub-continent. Perturbed by the competition provided by king Puru, the ruler of Western India, his wife begged King Puru to accept her as his sister and in return took a promise from him that he would not harm her husband, Alexander.

Several such incidents over generations have cemented the bonds of affection between brother and sisters. A day to renew promises of protection and love is celebrated as ‘Raksha-Bandhan’ each year. The name of the festival is symbolic and is rightly conveys the essence of the festival since ‘Raksha’ means ‘protection’ and ‘Bandhan’ conveys ‘a tie’

Originally celebrated as a ‘Hindu’ festival, today’s liberal minded people have helped this festival cross communities and bring the world together. This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. No longer a tie intended to strengthen only blood relations, it has crossed homes established bonds with friends and neighbours.

Celebrated on the day of  Shravan Purnima (Month of Shravan – full moon day) which falls in August, it brings with it, markets and streets crowded with women getting busy in preparation of this day. The day dawns with immense enthusiasm. Traditionally, the brother goes to visit the sister, at whose house large feats welcome him and then the sacred tying of the thread takes place. The tying of the ‘rakhi’ is often preceded by the sister performing ‘aarti’ before her brother, so that the blessings of God may be showered upon him, and this is accompanied by her chanting of a mantra. The ritual commences with the sister feeding her brother with sweets and vice-versa. The performance of this ritual reinstates the brother’s duty to protect his sister from any harm and the sister’s acceptance to be under his care. They mutually also pray for each other’s happiness and prosperity.

In today’s age of modernizations, this festival acts as a good medium to revive old bonds there by reminding people of their duties. This festival also helps us open up channels of expression, give us an opportunity to rework on our role as human beings and, most importantly, bring joy in our mundane lives.