Raksha Bandhan

The Story

Multiple origins: (1) Yamuna's rakhi to brother Yama, granting him immortality; (2) Indrani tying a sacred thread to Indra in his battle with the asuras; (3) Krishna's promise to Draupadi after she tore her sari to bandage his injured finger; (4) Rani Karnavati's rakhi to Humayun seeking protection.

Vidhi · How It's Done

• Bath, fresh clothes
• Sister applies tilak to brother
• Sister ties rakhi (sacred thread) on brother's right wrist while reciting:
• येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः। तेन त्वां अभिबध्नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल॥
• Sister offers sweets; brother gives gift / promise of protection
• Family meal together

Key Mantras

• येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः। तेन त्वां अभिबध्नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल॥

Bhog · Festival Foods

Kheer · Coconut barfi · Boondi laddu · Mathri · Chocolate (modern)

Regional Variants

• · Maharashtra: also Narali Purnima (offering coconuts to the sea by fishing communities)
• · South India: Avani Avittam / Upakarma — change of yajnopavita on this day
• · Bengal: Jhulan Purnima conclusion (Krishna swing festival)