India is a land of cherished and unique festivals that brings communities together, strengthens interpersonal bonds, spread happiness and preserves our ancient traditions. One such adored festival is Raksha Bandhan , which celebrates the pure and powerful relationship of siblings - a bond that is characterized by love, protection, childhood memories and unequivocal support. The expression Raksha Bandhan originates from Sanskrit and translates to “bond of protection.” Celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shravana, typically falling in August, Raksha Bandhan is observed by tying a sacred thread (Rakhi) on our siblings’ wrist, promising protection and enduring support.
ORIGIN AND LEGENDS
The tradition of celebrating Raksha Bandhan is said to be almost 6000 years old and there are many stories and legends associated with how the festival first started:
GODDESS LAKSHMI AND KING BALI
There is a legend mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana associated with the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Vamana. King Bali, a noble demon king had conquered the three worlds with his strength and devotion, even deafaeting the lord of the heavens, Lord Inrda so to restore balance Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin and approached King Bali to ask for three paces of land. After Bali granted his wish generously, Vamaha expanded his size to cosmic proportions and took one large step that covered the Earth and another step that covered the Heavens. When no space was left for the third step, King Bali offered Vamaha his head to step on which pleased Lord Vishnu. Impressed with Bali’s devotion and generosity, Lord Vishnu granted him a boon that he would rule Paatal Lok (underworld) and Lord Vishnu himself would leave Vaikunth and disguised himself to become the gatekeeper of his kingdom.
Lord Vishnu’s wife, Goddess Lakshmi, unable to bear her husband’s absence from their abode, disguised herself as an old Brahmin lady and approached King Bali. She tied a cotton thread to Bali’s wrist who overwhelmed with happiness granted her a wish. The Brahmin lady pointed at the gatekeeper and wished for her husband to be free so he could return home with her. Bali freed the gatekeeper and Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi returned to their true forms. Hence, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a festival of devotion and protection.
YAMUNA AND YAMA
Another legend mentions the River Goddess Yamuna and her brother Yama, the God of Death. Yamuna waited for her brother to visit her for a long time but Yama who oversaw and ruled over Death was delayed by his responsibilities. When her brother finally came to meet her, Yamuna did not question his delay but welcomed him by applying a tilak on his forehead, offering him a sacred meal and tying a thread on his wrist. Yama was extremely touched by his sister’s gesture and granted her the gift of immortality and proclaimed that any brother who received a Rakhi sincerely by his sister would be blessed with protection and a long life.
DRAUPADI AND LORD KRISHNA
The epic “Mahabharata” mentions a lovely story about Lord Krishna and Draupadi’s strong bond and friendship. They were not related by blood but the bond they shared was of mutual respect, devotion and unwavering faith. Lord Krishna lovingly named Draupadi his “Sakhi” which means a friend. In one version of the story, Lord Krishna injured his finger during a fierce battle with King Shishupal. There is another version of the story in which it is said that Lord Krishna injured his finger while handling sugarcane on Sankranti. The Lord’s wife Queen Rukmini rushed to get him a bandage. In both versions of the story, Draupadi saw the Lord’s bleeding hand and tore off a small piece of her Saree and tied it around his hand to stop the bleeding. Lord Krishna was moved by her sisterly affection and promised her his protection whenever she needed him. It is believed that the Lord uttered “Akshayam” to bless Draupadi. The blessing means endless.
Several years later, when Draupadi’s honor was publicly humiliated when the Kauravas tried to disrobe her in the court in front of her husbands, Lord Krishna saved her by making her Saree become magically endless. He kept his promise like a brother protecting her from all evil. Draupadi tied a sacred thread to Lord Krishna every year and he showered her with his blessings and protection. Raksha Bandhan signifies pure devotion and affection between siblings, blood related or not. In Vrindavan and Mathura, Raksha Bandhan has a very special significance as the residents believe Lord Krishna to be their ultimate protector. Men and Women offer beautiful Rakhis to the Lord in various temples of the cities.
ROXANA AND KING PORUS
Another legend associated with the celebration of Raksha Bandhan dates back to 326 BCE, when Alexander the Great had invaded India, his wife Roxana was worried about his safety during battles. She sent King Porus, the ruler of the Paurava kingdom, a rakhi, requesting him to not fatally hurt her husband in the battle. During the Battle of the Hydaspes also known as the Battle of Jhelum, King Porus remembered the sacred thread on his wrist and did not attack Alexander. He lost the battle but his act of respecting Roxana’s request impressed Alexander and he made King Porus the Governor of his Kingdom.
RITUALS AND EVOLUTION
Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated for centuries and the festival is a symbol of the pure love that siblings share with each other. The rituals of this festival start with sisters preparing a Puja Thali, which is a plate, filled with Rakhi, vermillion, rice, diya and sweets. Sister then ties a bejeweled sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers and cousin’s wrist and put a Tilak on their forehead. They pray for their brother’s wellness and health and the brothers promise their sisters eternal protection and feed each other sweets.
A sister tying a rakhi to her brother usually celebrates Raksha Bandhan but in some communities, women tie rakhi to soldiers, teachers and friends as sign of respect. The festival has evolved with time and is a proof that traditions can be respectfully adapted with modern times because it is not only an important festival for our culture but it is also deeply personal. Raksha Bandhan symbolizes protection, mutual respect and care two people share with each other. These emotions can be shared between sibling, cousins and even friends. A woman can also tie a rakhi to her elder sister or her friend because they provide her the affection and safety that the sacred thread symbolizes.
The core belief of Raksha Bandhan is that this beautiful festival is a celebration of pure love and protection and it can be celebrated with not just people that are related to you by blood but also with found family. This year we are celebrating Raksha Bandhan on the 9th of August 2025. A very Happy Raksha Bandhan to our dear readers.
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