| Raksha Bandhan is the celebration of the unblemished | | | | moments between the brothers and sisters and on this |
| bond of care between a brother and a sister. On this | | | | day all kinds of sweets are prepared. On this day, |
| day, the sister ties a holy thread around the wrist of | | | | priests also fasten the rakhis on their clients and in |
| her brother, reaffirming the love and affection between | | | | return accept contributions from them. In several parts |
| them. This strand, which pulsates with idyllic adoration | | | | of the country it is usual to sketch figures on the walls |
| and transcendent sentiments, is appropriately called the | | | | of their abode and worship them with offerings of |
| ‘Rakhi’. It means 'a bond of protection'. This is | | | | vermilion and kheer. A few parts of India also keep this |
| one of the most cordial and dignified of all human | | | | day for the blessed thread changing service, when the |
| emotions. No matter which part of the globe you | | | | boys abandon the previous one and slip on a new one |
| reside in, come celebrate unbroken promise with us… | | | | ritualistically. However it is the emblematic never-ending |
| When is Rakhi? Rakhi is an exceptional occasion that | | | | union between brothers and sisters that cements ties |
| is celebrated every year, in August, on Shravan | | | | between them even across continents, which has the |
| Purnima day. This year Raksha Bandhan falls on | | | | most importance on this propitious day. Importance of |
| August 28, 2007. Rakhi is one of the very significant | | | | Rakhi Rakhi is an implicit assurance exchanged |
| festivals of India. It is celebrated all over the country but | | | | between a brother and sister strengthening their |
| the ways of celebrations differ region to region. The | | | | persistent relationship. This also supports their |
| name of this festival also transforms as soon as one | | | | protective attachment against all evils and chances. |
| enters into a new area. For example few of the | | | | Rituals like these, undoubtedly, ease out various |
| names are the 'Vish Taadak' (destroyer of poison), the | | | | communal strains, stimulate empathy, unfasten outlets |
| 'Punya Pradaayak' (bestower of boons), and the 'Paap | | | | of expression, and present an occasion to revise our |
| Naashak' (destroyer of sins). How to celebrate rakhi? | | | | responsibility as individual, most notably, fetch happiness |
| A woman ties a “rakhi” on her brother's right | | | | in our humdrum lives. This protective bond symbolized |
| wrist, to look after him from evil manipulation and those | | | | by Rakhi has resulted in immeasurable opinionated ties |
| aspects which may foul his spirit, and to fortify the | | | | among monarchies and states. The leaves of Indian |
| bond of eternal love between them. She goes to her | | | | history give evidence that the Maratha and the Rajput |
| brother and performs the rituals by smearing on | | | | queens have sent Rakhis even to Mughal kings who, |
| kumkum and rice particles on his forehead. In return the | | | | despite their differences, have assuaged their |
| brother gives her an endowment and pledges to shield | | | | Rakhi-sisters by rendering aid and fortification at vital |
| her too. The 'rakhi' itself arrays from a decorated | | | | instants and respected the everlasting bond. Even |
| strand to elegantly ornamented balls of assorted sizes | | | | nuptial alliances have been established between |
| and materials such as feathery fiber, glitters, gold, silver | | | | kingdoms through the exchange of Rakhis. |
| beads and so on. Sweets symbolize the sugary | | | | |