Raksha Bandhan: The Sacred Thread Which Protects

Raksha Bandhan or ‘Rakhi’ is a special occasion to celebrate the chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister, by tying a sacred thread around the wrist. This year Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on 7th August 2017.


When is the best time to tie a Rakhi?

It is recommended to observe this tradition during late afternoon according to Hindu division of the day. Raksha Bandhan rituals should not be done during Bhadra. Bhadra is malicious time which should be avoided for all auspicious work. Most Hindu religious texts, including Vratraj, advise to avoid Bhadra time to tie Rakhi during Raksha Bandhan festival.

The latest time you are allowed to tie the rakhi is 21:20PM.


Rakhi Ritual

A typical ceremony to observe the day of Rakhi involves certain rituals like Aarti for the brother, with prayers of his long life, applying red Tika on the forehead before tying the Rakhi on the wrist of the brother. After the thread ceremony, the brother is treated with sweets and traditional home delicacies, usually prepared by the sister. The brother shows his affection and appreciation by presenting his sister with a gift, especially bought for the occasion.

1. The origin of Raksha Bandhan comes from the ancient times when Indrani tied a thread given to her by Lord Vishnu around her husband Lord Indra’s wrist to protect him from demons during the war between the Gods and demons.




5. The most significant story of the dedication of a brother’s promise if that of Emperor Humayun who went with his troops to Mewar when Rani Karnavati who ruled the region then asked for his help. Mewar had been attacked twice by Bahadur Shah and as a ray of hope she sent a letter to Humayun with a rakhi asking for his help. The emperor who was between a military campaign then left everything to go and protect her.