Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi is a Hindu festival, celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal. Raksha bandhan means “bond of protection” It  is the  celebration of one such relationship of brother and sister. It is the day when siblings pray for each other’s well being and wish for each others happiness.

 

This festival falls on full moon day of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and many Sikhs. On the eve of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a Rakhi (sacred thread) on her brother’s wrist. This symbolizes the love of the sister and the prayers she does for her brother’s well-being, and the brother’s lifelong vow to protect her in the time of need. Some people also tie Rakhi to neighbors and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of all the individuals.

Preparation for Raksha Bandhan

Before Raksha Bandhan, women shop for Rakhis, the ceremonial thread to tie around her brother or brother like friend’s wrist. Some women make their own Rakhi. A Rakhi may be a simple thread, woven and colorful.. Brother also shops for gifts for his sister. A gift from the brother can be a simple thoughtful token of love, and may be more elaborate also.

Rakhi Ritual

On the  day of Rakhi brothers and sisters get together, often in nice dresses in the presence of surviving parents, grandparents and other family members. If sisters and brothers are geographically separated, then sisters may mail the Rakhi ahead of the Raksha Bandhan day, along with a greeting card or letter wishing her brother all wellness. The ritual typically begins in front of lighted lamp , which signifies fire deity. The sister and brother face each other. The sister ties the Rakhi on her brother’s wrist.

Prayer, Aarti, Promise and Food

After the Rakhi has been tied, the sister says a prayer for the well being of her brother – good health, prosperity and happiness. This ritual sometimes may  involves an aarti, where a tray with lighted lamp or candle is ritually rotated around the brother’s face, along with the prayer and well wishes. The prayer follows as below.

May the lord of all beings protect you,
May the one who creates, preserves and dissolves life protect thee,

May Govinda guard thy head; Kesava, thy neck; Vishnu, thy belly;
the eternal Narayana, thy face, thine arms, thy mind, and faculties of sense;

May all negativity and fears, spirits malignant and unfriendly, flee thee;
May Rishikesa keep you safe in the sky; and Mahidhara, upon earth.

 

After the prayer is done, the sister applies a Tilak and  the brother pledges to protect her and take care of his sister under any  circumstances.

Gifts

Then the brother gives his sister(s) gifts such as cards, clothes, money or something thoughtful. Brothers wear the Rakhi for the entire day, at school or work, as a reminder of their sisters and to mark the festival as a significance of  Raksha Bandhan.