| Sisters and brothers normally show a great deal | | | | participate on this occasion. |
| of affection towards each other and also reach | | | | The history of Raksha Bandhan |
| out to each other in times of crisis and need. In | | | | There are no clear indications of when Raksha |
| India, tradition has it that sisters tie a rakhi, which | | | | Bandhan actually originated, but some believe that |
| is a colorful thread to their brothers symbolizing | | | | that the practice stems from the ritual of wearing |
| their fondness and sisterly affection towards | | | | the sacred thread (yagnopaivitam) since ancient |
| them. In return, brothers vow to protect them | | | | times. |
| from harm and harsh circumstances that could | | | | According to another story, Indira's wife Sachi |
| befall her. | | | | tied a rakhi to Indira when he was on the verge |
| When is Raksha Bandhan: | | | | of losing his heavenly realm in a long drawn war |
| Raksha Bandhan literally means a knot of | | | | against the demons. This ensured Indira's victory. |
| protection, and this festival is celebrated on | | | | Yet another account has it that Yamuna, the |
| Shravan Purnima every year, which coincides with | | | | sister of Lord Yama would tie a rakhi to him on |
| the months of July/August of the Gregorian | | | | the occasion of Shravan Purnima. Since then, this |
| calendar. Every year, just a few weeks before | | | | became the acceptable norm and sisters began |
| the occasion, stalls and stores around the country | | | | tying a rakhi on their brother's wrists as a custom. |
| stock up beautiful and gorgeous rakhis for sale. | | | | There is also an interesting story about Krishna, |
| Folks throng these stores and stalls to pick up | | | | who hurt his finger while aiming the Sudarshan |
| rakhis of their choice. On the day of the occasion, | | | | Chakra at Shishupala. It is said that Draupadi |
| sisters tie a rakhi to their brothers' wrist after a | | | | immediately rushed to tie a strip from her sari to |
| small formal prayer ceremony. After this, it is | | | | stop the bleeding. Later when Draupadi was |
| customary for brothers to give gifts to their | | | | subjected to utter humiliation in the court of the |
| sisters and partake in a traditional banquet along | | | | Kauravas, Lord Krishna protected her from the |
| with the entire family. | | | | disgrace. |
| Significance of Raksha Bandhan | | | | According to another story, Lord Indira, who is |
| Hidden beneath the traditional tying of the knot of | | | | the ruler of the heavens, was on the verge of |
| protection is a deep and relevant meaning that is | | | | losing a battle against the demon Vritta after a |
| carried on from ancient times in India. In addition | | | | twelve year long war. At this stage, Indira's wife |
| to conveying the love a sister has for her brother | | | | Shachi tied a rakhi around Indira's wrist, thus |
| and vice versa, the occasion spreads the | | | | ensuring victory. |
| message of harmonious family ties. At the same | | | | Another account from medieval history has it that |
| time, all responsible individuals should strive to | | | | Rajput queens have sent rakhis to Mughal kings |
| nurture brotherly and sisterly feelings towards | | | | for their protection. Queen Karnavati had sent a |
| each other and live in harmonious coexistence | | | | rakhi to Emperor Humayun requesting protection |
| with each other. | | | | from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. |
| Even though one may not be related as brothers | | | | Many other legends in Indian folklore that mention |
| and sisters by blood, people should develop the | | | | about sisters tying rakhis to their brothers. In |
| strength to respect each other by nurturing noble | | | | modern times, the festival has acquired |
| thoughts towards each other. Therefore, | | | | tremendous acceptance around the country and |
| members of the extended family, cousins, friends | | | | many parts of the world. |
| and individuals with brotherly feelings also heartily | | | | |