Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a festival celebrated for the welfare of brothers by the sisters. The festival is observed by all the religions invariably at large. The main ceremony involved beyond this is the sister tying a Rakhi, sacred thread or Raksha Bandhan in the wrists of their brothers. This symbolizes the sister's love for the brother and her prayers for the well being of him. The brothers inturn offers a gift to their sister. This Rakhi is tied not just to their sibling brothers alone, but also to their cousin brothers and also to those men who are considered to be brothers. The brothers commit a life long obligation to provide protection to the woman or girl.
There are lots of references in the epics and history to this sacred thread of Rakhi which bought up brothers and sisters together. This festival though had been celebrated for a long time, became popular after Rani Karnavati of Chittor, sent a Rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun asking his help.
This day of Shravan Poornima is also celebrated as Lord Krishna's birth. In south and central India, this day is celebrated as Avani Avittam or Upakarma.
When is the festival celebrated?
The festival falls on the full moon day of the Shravan month of the Hindu Lunar Calender.
For recipes for Raksha Bandan
Recipes for Avani Avittam.