Raksha Bandhan
The festival of goodwill Raksha Bandhan In Sanskrit, Raksha means “protection” and Bandhan means “a bond”. Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, literally celebrates the bond of good wishes and protection between brothers and sisters. It is an ancient Hindu festival that celebrates sibling relationships, but has also come to denote any relationship or tie of goodwill and friendship. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the Hindu month of Shravan, on a full moon day. It mostly falls in the month of August during the monsoon season. Celebration Being the most important festival for siblings, preparations for it are begun well in advance. Family members go shopping so they may wear new clothes on the day. After everyone gets dressed, the families get together so they may begin the ritual. Sisters tie a Rakhi, an intricate thread which may be simple or be woven with amulets, and tie it around their brothers’ wrists. It is symbolic of the sisters’ well wishes, prayers for longevit...