Raksha Bandhan — literally the bond of protection — is celebrated on the full moon (Purnima) of the month of Shravana. Sisters tie a rakhi, a sacred thread woven of cotton, silk, or gold, around their brothers' right wrists. In return, brothers give gifts and solemnly pledge to protect their sisters for the coming year. The simple act of tying and receiving a thread carries the weight of an ancient covenant — older than any kingdom, any law.
The festival carries many regional identities. For Brahmins across India, this same full moon is Upakrama (also called Sravani or Avani Avittam) — the auspicious day to change the sacred thread (yajnopavita) after the four months of Chaturmas. In Maharashtra's coastal communities, it is Narali Purnima, when fishermen offer a coconut to the sea, asking for safe sailing as the monsoon season begins to close. In Bengal and Odisha, the festival is called Jhulana Purnima — the day Krishna swings in a garden of flowers.
History has woven deeper meanings into the rakhi. Queen Rani Karnavati of Chittor famously sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, invoking the bond of brother and sister to seek his protection — and Humayun, moved by it, marched his armies to her aid, though he arrived too late. In 1905, poet Rabindranath Tagore launched a mass Rakhi Utsav to promote Hindu-Muslim unity against the British partition of Bengal — urging citizens of all faiths to tie rakhis to each other as a symbol of an unbroken India.
येन बद्धो बलि राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः। तेन त्वाम् अभिबध्नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल।।
Yena baddho bali rājā dānavendro mahābalaḥ, tena tvām abhibadhnāmi rakṣe mā cala mā cala.
"With that same thread by which the mighty Bali, king of demons, was bound, I bind you (the rakhi) — O protection, waver not, waver not."
— Raksha Bandhan mantra (Bhavishya Purana tradition)
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The Rakhi Thread
A rakhi is not just a decorative thread — it is a sacred binding vow. Traditionally made of cotton or silk with turmeric, kumkum, and a small diya or deity image, it is tied on the brother's right wrist while chanting a protective mantra. The thread stays on until it naturally falls off.
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Sister's Prayer, Brother's Pledge
The ritual is a two-way covenant. The sister prays for her brother's long life and prosperity while applying tilak and tying the rakhi. The brother pledges his protection and gives a gift — traditionally a new sari or jewelry, today anything from cash to gadgets.
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Upakrama for Brahmins
For Brahmin men across India, this full moon is Upakrama (Sravani / Avani Avittam) — the day to replace the sacred thread (yajnopavita) after Chaturmas. This ceremony involves ritual bathing, Vedic prayers, and the solemn renewal of the Gayatri mantra commitment.
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Narali Purnima
In Maharashtra's Koli fishing communities, this day is Narali Purnima — coconut full moon. Fishermen offer coconuts to the sea goddess Samudra Devi, thanking her for protection during the monsoon and seeking safe passage as the sea calms enough to sail again.
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Rani Karnavati's Rakhi
In 1535, Queen Karnavati of Mewar sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, asking him to be her brother and protector against Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Humayun, deeply moved, turned his armies around and marched to her aid — demonstrating that the bond of a rakhi could cross religious and political lines.
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Modern Rakhi Traditions
Today rakhis are sent by post and courier to brothers across the world. Rakhi for trees (tying threads on trees to symbolise protection of nature) has become a popular eco-tradition. Sisters also tie rakhis for cousins, uncles, and even friends — broadening the festival beyond blood ties to celebrate all protective relationships.