In the month of August usually, Hindus all across India and worldwide celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan. The name of the festival is itself the description of the festival celebration. The term "Raksha" means protection whereas the tem "bandhan" means bound or binding. Thus Raksha Bandhan is the festival of strengthening the bond of love between brothers and sisters with the sacred thread known as ‘Rakhi’.
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated for years by the Hindus in India and now it is celebrated worldwide by the people belonging to Indian diaspora. In ancient time women use to tie a 'rakshaa' thread on her husband's wrist for protecting him from e any sort of evil force. Gradually over the course of time this concept changed and women started tying a 'rakshaa' thread on her brother's right wrist, for protecting him from any kind of evil influence or any such those factor that may taint his character. Also there is another meaning of tying 'rakshaa' thread on her brother's wrist and it is to strengthen the bond of sibling love among both brother and sister.
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is not just related to tying of sacred thread that is ‘Rakhi’ on brother’s wrist rather it’s much more. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, every sister first visits her brother's home and then start performing his 'pujan. First sister apply kumkum and rice grains on her brother’s forehead that also helps him to get rid from evil forces and then performs an aarti for her brother. This Aarti is done with a holy flame in same respect that is making free from evil acts around and to protect him. Then comes the time when sister ties the sacred thread of Rakhi on her brother’s wrist and express her love to him.
Earlier this Rakhi thread was made using thread and beads but now it is there are a vast variety of Rakhi threads that ranges from a coloured cotton string that is exquisitely decorated with balls of variant sizes and materials such as fluffy cotton, beads, 'zari' paper, tinsel and other such things. These Rakhi are these days classified as Fancy Rakhis, Auspicious Rakhi, Bracelet Rakhi, Designer Rakhis, Mauli Rakhi, Pearl Rakhi, Diamond Rakhi, Kids Rakhi, Pure Chandan Rakhis, Jewelled Rakhi, Handcrafted Rakhi, Kundan Rakhi, Zardosi Rakhi, Sandalwood Rakhi, Resham Dhaga Rakhi, Rudraksha Rakhi, Lumba Rakhi, Swastika Rakhi, Premium Stone Rakhis and lot more.
In return of all such efforts from a sister’s end, brothers also express his love for her loving and adorable sister by taking an oath to always protect his sister from always at any condition and anytime. But this is not that brother does for his sister. Other then vowing for her lifetime protection, the brother also expresses his love to her by offering a gift to his loving sister. This Raksha Bandhan gifts is the token of love from a brother to his adorable sister and a mode of expressing the gratitude of love and care to her.
Thus In India, Raksha Bandhan is marked as one of the auspicious festival celebration that is basically meant to strengthen the affectionate bond of love among brothers and sisters by the rituals of tying the sacred Rakhi thread that binds their love forever.