Festival of Raksha Bandhan

Twists, turns and ties. Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan's here. Are you ready with your rakhis? This is an annual Hindu ritual celebrated by sisters of all ages as they tie a sacred thread called a rakhi around their brothers' wrists to symbolise protection. In return, brothers traditionally promise to safeguard their sisters and often give them gifts as a token of appreciation. The celebration is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, usually in August.

The term 'Raksha Bandhan' means the bond of protection, obligation or care in Sanskrit. Historically, the term referred to a different ritual where priests would tie amulets or threads on their patrons' wrists and receive gifts in return, a practice still followed in some areas. Over time, the sister-brother version of the festival, with roots in folk traditions, became more popular. The festival had different names in folk culture, depending on the region, like 'saluno,' 'silono' and 'rakri.' While it is typically a North Indian tradition, Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated in Central and Western India, Nepal, and among Hindu communities overseas, like in Fiji, as well as Pakistan and Mauritius. Today, the festival is all about celebrating the unique bond between siblings with lots of love, laughter and, of course, gifts!