Raksha Bandhan, often referred to as ‘Rakhi’, traces its roots back to over 6000 years ago in the ancient Vedic civilisation of India. Its origin lies in the traditional practice of tying a protective thread as a symbol of commitment and divine blessings, which has evolved into the present-day celebration of sibling bonds.

As per Hinduism, it is a festival that symbolises the duty of protection or Raksha, which is deeply embedded in the concept of Dharma. Rakshabandhan emphasises the responsibility of every brother to protect their sister by upholding the values of righteousness. The protection extends beyond physical safety and also talks about moral and emotional support. One of the most prominent stories linked to the celebration of Raksha Bandhan comes from the Mahabharata. It is believed that Lord Krishna once injured his finger, and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, instinctively tore a piece of her saree to tie around his finger to stop the bleeding. Moved by this gesture, it is believed that Krishna promised to protect Draupadi in her time of need. The promise is said to have manifested when Lord Krishna miraculously extended her saree to preserve her dignity during her public humiliation in the Kaurava’s court. This narrative of the Mahabharata is reflected in the tying of the Rakhi, where a sister ties a sacred thread blessed with prayers on her brother’s wrist as the brother pledges to protect her from any evil or harm.

Another tale is associated with the story of Yama, the God of death and his sister Yamuna, the river Goddess. It is believed that Yamuna was deeply attached to her brother, who had not visited her for many years. When Yama decided to see her, overjoyed, Yamuna prepared a feast and tied a Rakhi on Yama‘s wrist to pray for his immortality. Astonished by her love and dedication, Yama granted her a boon that anyone who received a rakhi from his sister and pledged to protect her would also be blessed with a long life and prosperity.

Another mythology narrates the story linked to the legend of Indra, also known as the king of the Gods, and his wife Sachi, also known as Indrani. While battling the demon king Bali, Indra faced numerous difficulties and was about to lose. Sachi is believed to have prayed to Lord Vishnu, who gave her a secret thread to tie on Indra’s wrist, which is how Indra regained his strength and confidence to defeat Bali. Indian mythology talks of many more stories like that of Goddess Santoshi Maa.

The historical traces of Raksha Bandhan can be associated with stories of Alexander the Great and his wife Roxana, who tied a sacred thread to King Porus, pleading him not to harm her husband in battle. Another historical legend is that of the Rajput queens and the Mughal emperors, as the queens would send sacred threads of Rakhi to the emperors seeking protection.

Various rituals linked to the celebration of Raksha Bandhan carry their own symbolic meanings. One of the most central rituals of Raksha Bandhan is the tying of the Rakhi, the sacred thread, on the brother's right wrist by his sister. It symbolises her love and prayers for her brother‘s well-being, which the brother returns as he promises to protect her from all harm. Sisters perform a small aarti on their brothers as they apply a tilak made of sandalwood paste, turmeric, or vermilion on their foreheads. Later, they exchange sweets as a good omen. In return, the brother gives his sister a token of love and appreciation. She rotates a diya in front of her brother in a circular motion while chanting a mantra to ward off evil spirits and invoke divine blessings for his protection. The presence of deities such as Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, or Lord Ganesha in the form of a picture frame or small idol is essential in this ritual. In some regions, sisters also observe a fast and abstain from food and water until they tie the rakhi on their brothers' wrists as a form of penance and devotion to enhance the spiritual significance of the ritual.

In northern regions of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, they celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying a Lumba Rakhi to the bangle of the brother’s wife to enhance the bond between the sisters-in-law. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, devotees usually pray to Lord Shiva and tie sacred threads around the Shivalingam as they also celebrate ‘Pavitropana’ on the same day. 

Raksha Bandhan is a festival so profoundly embedded in the cultural landscape of India that the traditional attire worn during the celebration also holds significant historical and artisanal value.

The most common garment women wear is the quintessential saree. During Rakshabandhan, women prefer wearing silk, chiffon, georgette, and cotton sarees and in weaves like Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, and Paithani. The sarees are usually embellished with zari embroidery or hand-painted with artisanal motifs reflecting different regions' historical influences. Women also opt for a salwar kameez or a kurta set, consisting of a long tunic and loose-fitting pants paired with a dupatta, usually made from fabrics like silk, crepe, and cotton adorned with block prints, beadwork, and embroidery per the regions in which they are created.

Younger girls typically opt for a lehenga, a long skirt and a blouse paired with a dupatta, often made from rich fabrics like velvet, brocade, and silk embellished with zardozi embroidery, sequins, and mirror work. The lehenga adds a perfect touch of elegance to the girl’s ensemble. 

The go-to traditional attire men wear during Raksha Bandhan is the kurta pyjama. The kurta is usually elaborately embellished and made from linen, silk, and cotton fabrics. They feature embroidery around the cuffs, collar, and placket and feature Chikankari work, Kantha, leheriya, and block prints. 

In certain regions like West Bengal, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, men also wear the dhoti and kurta. It is made from cotton or silk and inked in white or off-white colours. Silk is a preferred choice and is usually adorned with golden Zari borders. The Dhoti is one of the oldest garments worn by men in India, and its origins trace back to the Vedic times. 

Men are often seen wearing a Sherwani, a long coat like Kurta worn over a Kurta and Churidar. A lot more formal than a regular Kurta, it is worn during special occasions and ceremonies. They are usually fastened with buttons down the front and accompanied by a stole or a scarf. They are typically made from rich fabrics like brocade, velvet, and silk and are embroidered in different designs through Zardozi, Zari, or other techniques. The Sherwani originated in the Mughal courts, where it was the preferred attire by royalty and the nobility. As for Raksha Bandhan, the Sherwani adds a regal touch of elegance and tradition.

The colours worn during Raksha Bandhan are usually red as they symbolise purity, love and fertility, while men are seen wearing white as an ode to simplicity and peace.

As everyone gathers to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, the traditional jewellery and accessories owned by men and women reflect India’s heritage and the importance of family bonds. Raksha Bandhan, like many other festivals, highlights the significance of tradition and cultural expression.

Married women are usually seen wearing mangalsutra, a dainty necklace made of black beads and gold, with a diamond pendant in the centre. Women also wear bangles around their wrists, made from gold, silver, glass, or lac. During Raksha Bandhan, women often wear colourful bangles that match their traditional attire and enhance their festival look. 

Most women are seen wearing jhumkas made of silver, gold, or metals and encrusted with semi-precious stones and pearls. The design of the jhumkas is believed to be inspired by the architecture of temples and the bells used in worship, proving to be a symbol of auspiciousness. 

Men usually wear a Kada or a strong silver or iron bracelet, symbolising strength and unity. Men wear simple chains with dainty designs or religious symbols of gold or silver around their necks. 

The jewellery and accessories worn during Raksha Bandhan are usually minimal and understated.

The beautification of homes and community spaces enhances the celebration of every festivity in India.

During Raksha Bandhan, homes are decorated with torans or bandhandwars – decorative hangings placed over the entrances of houses and temples. Usually made with fresh marigold flowers, mango leaves, decorative beats, and traditional fabrics, torans create a welcoming atmosphere. They are usually decorated with motifs of parrots, elephants, and auspicious symbols like the Om and Swastika and are believed to ward off negative energies.

The women usually spend the morning creating traditional Rangolis with flower petals, rice flour, sand, or coloured powder. They manifest designs like peacocks, flowers, and geometric patterns at the entrance of homes and courtyards to invite joy into the house. They decorate the Rangoli and other parts of the house with diyas made from clay and filled with ghee and a cotton wick. Lighting diyas is symbolic and celebrates the win of light and knowledge. Sisters decorate the puja thali, holding the Rakhi, a diya, kumkum, and rice grains. 

Even today, Raksha Bandhan plays a vital role in reinforcing India's cultural heritage and upholding the values of protection, respect, duty, and unity, making it an essential festival for cultural and social life in the country.