Raksha Bandhan रक्षाबंधन

Raksha Bandhan means the bond of protection. A sister ties a thread called a rakhi on her brother's wrist, applies a mark on his forehead and offers sweets, and the brother promises to look after her and gives a gift. The day is placed on the Shravana full moon, a time that also marks the changing of the sacred thread among Brahmin communities and the festival of Narali Purnima among fishing communities on the western coast.

One account, from the Bhavishya Purana, is the story of Indra and Sachi, in which Indra's wife tied a protective thread on his wrist before a battle with the demons. The thread there is a talisman and not a family symbol. Another story is that of Draupadi tearing a strip of her sari to bandage Krishna's wounded finger, after which he vowed to protect her, which is often retold. There is also the legend of Queen Karnavati of Chittor sending a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun seeking help, which is a historical tradition told in Rajasthan, though historians debate its details.

The relationship need not be by blood. Women tie rakhis to cousins, neighbours, soldiers and friends, and in Maharashtra and Gujarat the day mixes with sea-worship rites. In Bengal and Odisha the nearby full moon is Jhulan Purnima, when Radha and Krishna are swung on a swing. Brothers who live far away often receive rakhis by post, and sisters can plan in advance for deliveries. Eco-friendly rakhis made from seeds or cotton are a modern alternative to plastic.