Raksha Bandhan reawakens the noblest and deepest emotions in the human breast- the sublime and the divine love between a sister and a brother. It is one of the important festivals of Hindus that glorifies love and relationships. It is celebrated with great joy and excitement. The day falls on the full moon in the month of Shravana. For 2008, it falls on 16th August, Saturday.

Raksha Bandhan Celebrations
Raksha Bandhan starts with a great joy and festive mood in every Indian home. Rakhis are made or bought before the festival. Sweets and dishes are prepared in the early morning and puja i.e. worship of God takes place. After this the sister offers Aarti to her brother and ties the Rakhi on his wrist praying God bless her brother with health, wealth and success. The sister puts Tilak (vermilion powder) on her brother’s forehead, touches his feet and the brother blesses his sister. The brother takes a pledge to protect her sister through out her life and presents a beautiful gift to his sister. The gift acts as a token of love and affection of the brother towards his sister.

The love between brothers and sisters is nowhere in the world celebrated as in India. The relationship is no where so worshiped as here. It is this love that is celebrated on Raksha Bandhan.

Myth behind Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi-the festival that establishes love and affection between siblings has a number of myths associated with its origin. It is believed that the festival is originated when Indrani, wife of Lord Indra tied a talisman on Indra’s wrist on the day of Shravana Poornima to win a battle against demons. The power of the talisman made the Gods win the battle.

Another popular myth associated with Rakhi is the story of Maharani Karmavati-the queen of Mewar. The queen sent a rakhi to the Mughal king, Humayun as she faced a threat from Bahadur Shah who laid siege on her kingdom. King Humayun defeated Bahadur Shah and restored the queen’s kingdom.

Even there were some instances in our freedom struggle period that shows freedom fighters wearing threads around their wrists with pride to fight against British Rule. The great poet, Rabindranath Tagore introduced this tradition in Shantiniketan to establish the bond of love between all religions.

Raksha Bandhan and Today
Today the festival glorifies the love between a sister and a brother. Beside this Rakhis are tied on the wrists of soldiers by women and children to fill their hearts with the zest to protect our country, India from the dangers enemy.

Significance of Raksha Bandhan and the Rakhi
The festival tells that love and relationship are the foundations of a better society. It indicates to a harmonious social life where all the members of a society look upon themselves as brothers and sisters and as children of one motherland.