Why People Celebrate Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi

Raksha Bandhan is a popular, traditionally annual ceremony for Hindus. This festival is mainly popular in India. Another same festival celebrated with the same rituals also with the same name Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan in some other parts of Asian Countries as well as the countries, who are influenced by Hinduism.

On this day, sisters of all ages tie a talisman, or amulet, called the rakhi or Raksha Suta, around the wrists of their brothers, symbolically protecting them. So, the brother gives his word to protect her. But, now the girl power has increased and they can protect them by themselves, so they are demanding gifts in return (this is just for fun), and traditionally investing the brothers with a share of the responsibility of their potential care.

Raksha Bandhan is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which typically falls in August. The expression "Raksha Bandhan" came from Sanskrit literally, where Raksha means protection, obligation or care, and Bandhan refers to the advance for the protection. Actually, the brother is the best protector for her sister and "the bond of protection, obligation, or care," has principally applied to this ritual.

According to Hindu Mythology, this ritual started by Panchali Draupadi, the queen of Pandavs, when she tied a thread on the finger of Lord Krishna and Lord Krishna saved her from the Kauravas by giving cores of Sarees, while they were trying to undress her. There are some more stories relates to this ritual like Indra Dev & Sachi, King Bali & Goddess Lakshmi, Santoshi Maa, Yama & the Yamuna, etc.

This festival is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Sikhs. Jains priests give ceremonial threads to the devotees on this day and Sikhs celebrate this as "Rakhardi" or Rakhari.

In 2019, we are going to celebrate Raksha Bandhan on 15th August on the day of Independence. For that reason, the temporary Rakhi Stores are opening and sisters are buying Rakhi for the brothers, and some girls are also buying Rakhi for their elder sister's husband since they are like brothers to sisters.