Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a festival that honors the special bond of love, care, and protection between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a colorful thread called a rakhi around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their prayers for their brothers' well-being and prosperity. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters from harm and show their love, often by giving gifts. The festival is deeply rooted in Indian culture and Hindu traditions, with stories from scriptures like The Mahabharata that highlight acts of protection and mutual care. It is also celebrated among cousins, friends, and others who share a bond akin to sibling relationships. The festival emphasizes kindness, gratitude, and lifelong emotional and spiritual support between siblings and loved ones.
One of the well-known stories behind Raksha Bandhan involves the god Krishna and Draupadi. When Krishna injured his finger, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to bandage it, leading Krishna to vow to protect her, which he later fulfilled. This act of tying a protective thread symbolizes the promise of lifelong protection and care.
Thus, Raksha Bandhan celebrates not just biological relationships but also the broader idea of protective bonds and mutual respect among people, making it a festival of love, protection, and unity.
