Raksha Bandhan

A holiday with the same name is held in the Indian Subcontinent every year, and its centrepiece is Raksha Bandhan, a well-known and historically Hindu annual rite or ceremonial. Also, it is observed in other regions of the world that have been greatly affected by Hindu culture. On this day, sisters of all ages wrap their brothers’ wrists with a charm or amulet known as a rakhi. They share some of the responsibility for their potential care with the brothers, offer them a gift in exchange for protecting them metaphorically, and safeguard them.

On the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Shraavana, which frequently falls in August, Raksha Bandhan is observed.The term “Raksha Bandhan”—which means “the link of protection, obligation, or care” in Sanskrit—is currently most commonly used to describe this rite. The phrase was more frequently used to refer to a related rite that took place on the same day and has historical precedent in ancient Hindu writings up until the mid-20th century. In that practise, a domestic priest takes financial contributions in exchange for tying amulets, charms, or threads on the wrists of his devotees or altering their sacred thread. In some regions, this is still true. The name of the sister-brother festival, which had its origins in folklore, changed depending on the location. Rakri, saluno, and silono were among the spelling variations. As part of a saluno tradition, the sisters would tuck barley stalks behind the ears of their brothers.

History

Krishna allegedly cut his finger while working with sugarcane. Queen Rukmini, Krishna’s spouse, sent a messenger to obtain bandages. To stop the bleeding, Draupadi noticed the situation and cut a piece of her saree, tying it around his finger. Krishna then made a commitment to support her in her time of need.

Motive for this festival's celebration

The purpose of the celebration is to honour all kinds of male and female relationships that aren’t biological brothers and sisters. A sister would tie a rakhi around her brother’s wrist on this day in a gesture of wishing him luck, good health, and well-being.