Raksha Bandhan

Significance and History

Rakhi is an ancient Hindu festival. In 2025, Raksha Bandhan is a public holiday in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. As cited in the first section, the festival of Rakhi celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

The festival is very famous with several cultures in the country as the concept of duty and love between siblings is universal. On the morning of the festival day, brothers and sisters shall gather together with their families. Sisters tie rakhis (threads) as a symbol of protection.

Rakhis are also used to celebrate other relationships between neighbours and friends.

Why do People Celebrate Raksha Bandhan? :

• For the farmer community of various regions of India, the ceremony of Shravani conducted on the day of Rakhi Purnima has special significance. A better harvesting season relies on affluent rainwater. The monsoon is the best time to receive adequate water for farming activities. Therefore, the farmers of the states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand adore soil for its fruitfulness. The same celebration is observed during Rakhi holiday 2025.

Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
At Krushna Dham Delaware,

• Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi or Rakri, is a joyous festival celebrated by Hindus worldwide to honor the bond of love and responsibility between brothers and sisters. However, the significance of this holiday goes beyond biological relationships, as it brings together people of all genders, religions, and ethnic backgrounds to celebrate various forms of platonic love.

  The term ‘Raksha Bandhan’ translates to ‘the knot of protection’ in Sanskrit. Although the rituals associated with this festival may vary in different regions, they all involve the tying of a thread. The sister or a sister-like figure ties a colorful and sometimes elaborate thread around her brother’s wrist, symbolizing her prayers and well-wishes for his protection. In return, the brother presents his sister with a meaningful gift.

  The Origins of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to ancient times. References to this festival can be found in legends related to Alexander the Great dating back to 326 BCE. Hindu scriptures also contain several accounts of Raksha Bandhan:

  • One such story involves Sachi, the wife of Indra, tying a thread around Indra’s wrist to safeguard him during a battle against the mighty demon King Bali. This tale suggests that holy threads were possibly used as amulets in ancient India, offering protection to men going to war, and not limited solely to the brother-sister relationship.
  • Another legend from the Bhagavat Puran and Vishnu Puran narrates how after Vishnu defeats King Bali and conquers the three worlds, King Bali requests Vishnu to live in his palace. Vishnu’s wife, Goddess Lakshmi, disapproves of this arrangement and ties a Rakhi on King Bali, making him her brother. Touched by this gesture, King Bali grants her a wish, and Lakshmi asks for Vishnu’s return home.
  • In another story, Ganesh’s sister, Devi Manasa, visits him on Raksha Bandhan and ties a Rakhi on his wrist. This inspires Ganesh’s sons, Shubh and Labh, who desire to participate in the Raksha Bandhan celebration but feel left out without a sister. They persuade Ganesh to grant them a sister, leading to the creation of Santoshi Maa. From then on, the three siblings celebrate Raksha Bandhan together each year.
  • Krishna and Draupadi, known for their strong friendship, share a significant moment during Raksha Bandhan. When Krishna injures his finger in battle, Draupadi tears a piece of her sari to bandage his wound. Touched by her act of love, Krishna promises to repay her kindness. Later, Krishna fulfills his promise by coming to Draupadi’s aid during a critical moment.
  • Additionally, in the epic Mahabharat, Draupadi ties Rakhi to Krishna before he leaves to fight in the great war. Similarly, Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, ties a Rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu before he embarks on his own battle.

  These stories highlight the rich cultural significance and diverse narratives associated with Raksha Bandhan, showcasing the deep bonds of love and protection that exist beyond biological relationships.

Join us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Raksha Bandhan to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead, through divine grace and community spirit.