Raksha Bandhanरक्षा बंधन

Raksha Bandhan (रक्षा बंधन, "bond of protection") is one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals, celebrated on the full moon (Purnima) of the month of Shravana — typically in August. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called a rakhi on their brothers' right wrists as a symbol of love and a prayer for their protection, and brothers in return pledge to safeguard their sisters and offer gifts. The name comes from two Sanskrit words: Raksha (protection) and Bandhan (bond or tie). The festival's roots lie in Vedic ritual — the same Purnima day is called Avani Avittam in South India, when Brahmin men renew their sacred thread (Yajnopavita). Scriptural accounts include the Mahabharata story of Draupadi tying a cloth strip on Lord Krishna's finger, and the Puranic story of Goddess Lakshmi tying a rakhi on King Bali's wrist to secure Vishnu's freedom. The key panchang rule is that the rakhi must not be tied during the Bhadra (Vishti Karana) period; the time after Bhadra ends is considered auspicious. In Maharashtra the day is also celebrated as Narali Purnima (coconut full moon) by fishing communities. Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on Friday, August 28.