Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival honoring the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is normally observed on the full moon day of Shravana month. The term ” Raksha Bandhan” means bond of protection. This year Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on August 19, 2024. Sisters tie Rakhi around their brother’s wrist as a symbol of their love and in return brothers promise to protect them. Siblings also exchange presents to make the day special. This lovely custom develops a sense of love, trust, and responsibility while strengthening the sibling relationship. Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi Purnima, is a revered cultural festival that brings brothers and sisters together. According to mythology, Lord Krishna was deeply moved when Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to bandage Lord Krishna’s finger after he sliced it. Krishna, moved by her love and concern, swore to protect Draupadi in her hour of need. This promise was kept during the infamous episode in the royal court in which Draupadi’s honour was threatened and Krishna’s miraculous intervention saved her dignity. During British rule in India, Rabindranath Tagore utilised Rakhi to promote friendship and unity and prevent the partition of Bengal.As per one narrative, Queen Karnavati sent a letter with a rakhi asking for help from emperor Humayun when her region Mewar came under threat by Bahadur Shah. According to another story, Yamuna, the auspicious river, tied a rakhi to Yama, the Lord of Death, and he granted her immortality.In the Bhavishya Puran scripture, Sachi, the wife of Indra, tied a thread around Indra’s wrist to protect him in battle against the powerful demon King Bali.In the Bhagavat Puran and Vishnu Puran, after Vishnu conquers the three world from King Bali, King Bali asks Vishnu to live in his palace. Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu’s wife, is not happy about this arrangement. She ties a rakhi on King Bali making him a brother. Honored by the gesture, King Bali grants her a wish. Lakshmi requests that Vishnu return home.On Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh’s sister, Devi Manasa, came to visit. She tied a Rakhi on Ganesh’s wrist. Ganesh’s sons, Shubh and Labh, were taken by this beautiful tradition, but were angry that they did not have a sister. They begged their father for a sister so that they, too, could participate in the Raksha Bandhan celebration. After much convincing, Ganesh obliges. Santoshi Maa is created, and the three siblings celebrate Raksha Bandhan every year thereafter.Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people of the country on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Monday. Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, he posted: “Best wishes to all countrymen on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a festival symbolising the immense love between brother and sister. May this holy festival bring new sweetness in the relationships of all of you and happiness, prosperity and good fortune in life.”