Raksha Bandhan - Bonds Between a Brother and Sister

A celebration of the bonds between a brother and sister, the family holiday of Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is celebrated in most Indian communities around the world. In India and many communities where people from India live, cousins, or anyone close to your who does not have a sister or brother of their own may be honored as brothers and sisters on this day.

The sister ties the rakhi, a silk string, around her brother's wrist. More elaborate modern versions may be gold or intricately woven strands of silk, but the traditional Rakhi given to brothers on Raksha Bandhan is a single strand of silk that symbolizes the bond. The silk is delicate...almost invisible, but extremely strong. The brother usually gives a Gift in return -- very often a generous gift of money to help his sister through the year!

Rakhi with Puja Thali

On Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi), prayers are said and the entire family joins the celebration. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Shravana. That is August 28 in 2007.

Resham ki dori se sansaar baandhaa hai!

"The sun radiates its sunlight, the radish spreads its seeds,

I tie the rakhi on you, my brother, and wish that may you live long."

Send Rakhi to India