Raksha Bandhan is an age-old tradition of celebrating the eternal bond of love shared by brothers and sisters. With a simple and sober ceremony of tying Rakhi, the festival aims at rejuvenating the relationship between siblings. Every year sisters tie a beautifully decorated Rakhi around their brother’s wrist and pray for their brother’s well being. Brothers in turn promise to stand by their sister in all circumstances. Carried out with reverence since time immemorial Raksha Bandhan has become rooted in the psyche of all brothers and sisters in India.

How did Raksha Bandhan Originate? The tradition of Raksha Bandhan is said to have begun in the Vedic times when once Lord Indra was facing reverses in a battle against demons. At this point, Lord Indra approached Guru Brihaspati who advised him to tie a thread powered by sacred mantras on his wrist. Indra’s wife Indrani followed the guru’s instructions. At the auspicious 'Shravan Poornima' or the Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan, she tied the sacred thread on Lord Indra’s wrist. It is said that the sacred thread empowered Indra to achieve victory against the demons.

Time for Celebrations Raksha Bandhan is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and is celebrated with much euphoria in India. Excitement is palpable amongst brothers and sisters weeks before the festival. The occasion is especially looked forward to by brothers and sisters staying in different cities. For them it becomes a time for family re-union. While home visits are being planned, sisters’ begin their hunt for a perfect piece of Rakhi for their dearest bhaiya from the numerous Rakhi stalls that mushroom in the various nooks and corners of the city. There is also a tradition of sending Rakhi Gifts along with Rakhi. Traditional Rakhi Gifts for brother include sweets, dry fruits, and puja thali. In modern times, however, sisters indulge their brother with apparels, stylish accessories, perfumes or sci-fi electronic gadgets.

How is Raksha Bandhan ceremony performed? On the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters visit their brother or sometimes brothers are invited over by sisters for the celebrations. After performing Puja, sisters’ apply tilak on brother’s forehead and perform arti of him. She then ties a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist while praying for his long, healthy and happy life. Brothers’ express their gratitude to sister for her affection and vow to protect her from all hardships in life. Brother and sister share a sweet and enjoy a harmonious time with rest of the family. To pamper their sweets sisters, brothers present return gifts to them. This could be some cash or gifts like jewellery, apparel, cosmetics or household gifts.

Modern Day Celebrations of Raksha Bandhan Raksha Bandhan has retained its glory and sacred aura in modern times too. Brothers and sisters wherever they may be make it a point to celebrate the occasion together. If a meeting is not possible Rakhi and gifts are sent through mail or through online gifting sites. And even today, the meaning of custom remains beautifully intact. Raksha Bandhan has been and always will be an occasion to cherish and strengthen the beautiful bond shared by brothers and sister.