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Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu
custom marking the love and affection between brothers and
sisters. It is celebrated on "Shravan Sud Poornima" every
year according to the Hindu Calender. Raksha means
Protection , Bandhan means bond. On this day, sisters tie
a colourful 'Rakhi' on the wrists of their brothers.
Sisters believe that this will bring success, peace, and
good health to their brothers throughout the year.
 There
is no such indication in the Indian History that when and
how this custom started. But it is said that there was a
war between the Gods and the devil, and the Gods were on
the losing side. At this particular time Lord Indra called
his Guru Brihaspati in his court for help and advice. At
the same time Indra wife Indrani was also present in the
court. Before Brihaspati could say anything Indrani rose
and said that she knew that how to assure God's win in the
battle. The next day was Shravani Purnima. When Indra was
off to the battlefield, Indrani tied a "Madadiyu" a sacred
thread on wrist on Indra. When Indra entered the
battlefield with the "Madadiyu" tied on his wrist, the
devil begin to lose and lost the battle.
Many days before this festival shops start selling Rakhi
in all colours and design, from ordinary ones to the ones
in Silver and Gold. Sisters buy Rakhi for their brother
and on Raksha Bandhan Day tie them on the wrist of their
brother praying for his success. Brothers on their part
take a vow to protect their sister, and a symbol of his
love gives a gift to his sister.
Rakshabandhan - the festival in which the brother pledges
to guard his sister against all dangers is celebrated on
the full moon day of Shravan (August). On this day, women
and young girls tie rakhis (bracelets) made of ribbon,
gold, silver and silk threads on their brother's wrists.
The girl solemnly seeks her brother's abiding hand of
protection in times of distress and the brother pledges to
be by her side whenever she needs him. The festival in a
way reaffirms the sacred relationship between brothers and
sisters.
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