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Festival Profile

Raksha Bandhan

Sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on brothers, celebrating the bond of protection.

All festivals

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. A sister ties a rakhi (sacred thread) on her brother's wrist, and he vows to protect her.

Stories behind the festival

The origin is rooted in the Mahabharata story of Draupadi and Krishna, along with traditions of tying protective threads and regional festivals on Shravana Purnima.

In the Mahabharata, when Krishna was injured in battle, Draupadi tore a strip from her sari and tied it on his wrist to stop the bleeding. Touched by her care, Krishna vowed to protect her and later shielded her when she was humiliated in the court.
Mahabharata; regional Shravana Purnima tradition

Why we celebrate

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. A sister ties a rakhi (sacred thread) on her brother's wrist, and he vows to protect her.
Mahabharata; regional Shravana Purnima tradition

When

It falls on the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu month Shravana (August).

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Hindus across India and worldwide; it honours the love and protection between siblings and is also tied by some to regional festivals like Nariyal Purnima.

Origin

The origin is rooted in the Mahabharata story of Draupadi and Krishna, along with traditions of tying protective threads and regional festivals on Shravana Purnima.
Mahabharata; regional Shravana Purnima tradition

Key deities

Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are honoured in some traditions; the day is sacred to Varuna in the coastal Nariyal Purnima.

How to celebrate

A sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead, ties the rakhi, and prays for his long life; the brother gives a gift and promises protection.

Rituals & offerings

Rakhi tying, tilak, aarti, sweets, and family gatherings.

Key facts

Raksha Bandhan is also observed in some regions as Nariyal Purnima, dedicated to the sea god Varuna. It falls on the sacred Shravana Purnima.
Mahabharata; regional Shravana Purnima tradition