Raksha Bandhan (the bond of protection in Hindi) is a Hindu festival, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Shraavana.
Raksha means protection and Banthan means tying. This festival is between brothers and sisters, where the sister ties a Rakhi on her brothers’ hand, which symbolises the sign of protection on behalf of the sisters.
Brothers are taking care of their sisters throughout their life and so to give them power to protect their sisters and this is why the festival is celebrated every year. When tying the Rakhi, sisters must put a Chandlo on their brothers’ forehead and then give them some sweets. After sisters have performed their duty, the brothers have to give whatever the sister asks and if they don’t ask anything then the brother must give them some money.
Long time ago when lord Narayan was caught in his devotee (Bali Raja) devotion, he had to leave his heaven and stay with his devotee. All demigods got scared and told Lakshmi to bring back Narayan to heaven. Lakshmi had no other plan but to only make Bali her brother. She went their and tied Rakhi on Bali Raja hands. Bali Raja told her to ask for anything she wants, and she ask to give back Narayan to her. Bali Raja gave Narayan back to Lakshmi but then Narayan promised him that he will give him the kingdom of demigods (Swarga).
If either of them had done anything wrong to each other, then this is the day we ask for forgiveness.
