Family and bonds · Indra and Shachi, Krishna and Draupadi, Yama and Yamuna
Raksha Bandhan
The thread of protection: a sister ties a rakhi and a brother promises to stand by her.
Also known as: Rakhi, Rakhi Purnima, Shravani
Date and muhurat
✓ 28.6519°N, 77.2315°E · Asia/Kolkata
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When is it observed?
The full-moon day (Purnima) of the month of Shravana, usually in August. The rakhi is tied in the Aparahna (late forenoon to afternoon) when Purnima is present, and not during Bhadra, which is avoided.
About Raksha Bandhan
On Raksha Bandhan a sister ties a decorated thread, the rakhi, around her brother's wrist, applies a tilak and offers sweets. The brother gives a gift and promises to protect and support her. The bond is not limited to blood relatives; cousins, friends and neighbours also tie and receive rakhis.
The day is a family reunion. Brothers and sisters who live in different cities travel to meet, and those who cannot send rakhis by post or courier. Women also tie rakhis to soldiers, and Brahmin priests tie a protective thread on their patrons.
Significance
The word raksha means protection and bandhan means a bond. The thread is a symbol of care and mutual responsibility, and the occasion renews the affection between siblings no matter how busy their lives have become.
Its broader meaning is a pledge of goodwill. In history and legend, a rakhi has been sent as a request for protection and has been honoured even by those who were not related, which is why the festival is also a symbol of social harmony.
Tying the rakhi
- 1Bathe early and wear clean clothes. Check the Aparahna muhurat and avoid the Bhadra period.
- 2Prepare a thali with rakhi, roli or kumkum, rice grains, a lamp, sweets and a coconut or a flower.
- 3Seat the brother facing east or north, with his head covered by a cloth or handkerchief if the custom of the family requires it.
- 4Light the lamp and perform a short aarti of the brother, then apply a tilak of roli and unbroken rice.
- 5Tie the rakhi on his right wrist, often chanting a blessing for his well-being.
- 6Offer sweets, and the brother then gives a gift or money and touches the elders' feet if the sister is elder.
- 7Priests tie a protective thread, reciting a mantra in the name of the family's wellbeing.
- 8Share a meal, exchange blessings, and remember brothers and sisters who live far away.
The story
In the Mahabharata, Draupadi tore a strip from her sari to bind Krishna's wounded finger. Krishna regarded the cloth as a bond and later protected her in her hour of need, in the famous episode in the royal court.
A puranic tale tells of Indra, who was struggling in battle with the demons, and his wife Shachi tied a protective thread on his wrist, which is believed to have helped him prevail. Another account says that Lakshmi tied a rakhi to King Bali, who then returned Vishnu to her. The medieval story of Rani Karnavati of Chittor sending a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun is also widely told, though historians debate its details.
What to do
- ✓Tie the rakhi within the Aparahna muhurat when Purnima is present.
- ✓Prefer a simple, clean thread and keep the thali ready beforehand.
- ✓Give a thoughtful gift and a sincere promise.
- ✓Remember siblings who are far away, by call or post.
- ✓Include sisters, cousins and friends who have no brother.
What to avoid
- ✕Avoid tying the rakhi during Bhadra, which is traditionally considered inauspicious for it.
- ✕Do not tie a torn or soiled thread.
- ✕Avoid quarrels and hurtful remarks on this day.
- ✕Do not treat gifts as a competition.
Around the country
- North India: the classic sister-brother rakhi, with sweets and gifts, and kite flying in some cities.
- Maharashtra and the coast: Narali Purnima, when fishermen offer a coconut to the sea, is kept on the same day.
- Odisha and Bengal: Gamha Purnima in Odisha and the close of the Jhulan swing festival in Bengal and Odisha fall on or near this day.
- Gujarat: Pavitropana, observed around this time, when devotees offer a sacred thread to Shiva; the day is also called Baleva, after King Bali.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bhadra and why is it avoided?
Bhadra is a part of the Vishti karana in the panchang. Tradition treats it as unfavourable for auspicious acts, and a popular folk story says that Ravana's sister tied a rakhi in Bhadra and it brought ill fortune. Whatever one makes of the story, rakhi is tied after Bhadra ends.
Can the rakhi be tied after the muhurat?
If the muhurat is missed, many families still tie it while Purnima remains, avoiding Bhadra. For those who cannot be present, a rakhi posted ahead is accepted in practice.
Is Raksha Bandhan only for brothers and sisters?
No. Tradition also includes tying a rakhi on friends, soldiers, teachers and even trees, as a pledge of protection and goodwill.