Festival · August

Raksha Bandhan

A celebration of the bond of protection between siblings.

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, as sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists and brothers pledge to protect them. It falls on the full moon of Shravana. The festival's spirit of protection and love extends, in many tellings, to the divine and the community.

Why it is kept

On the full moon of Shravana, sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their protection, and brothers promise to stand by them. Panchangs mark when Bhadra, considered inauspicious for this, ends.

Step by step

How to observe it

Prepare the thali
A plate with the rakhi, roli, rice, a lamp and sweets is made ready.
Tie the rakhi
The sister applies a tilak, ties the rakhi, performs aarti and offers a sweet; the brother gives a gift and his promise.
Upakarma
On the same day many Brahmin families change the sacred thread and renew Vedic study, called Avani Avittam in the South.

Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.

Fasting

Sisters often eat only after tying the rakhi.

Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.