India is a land of myriad festivals. Every new month brings with itself, a new set of festivals. These festive occasions give us time to rejoice and give us a break from the hectic life of day today. We are approaching month of August which is considered auspicious for every sister and brother as the month celebrates Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan.

A brother is no less than a superhero for most of the sisters and the latter expresses this through the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan. The festival of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different parts of India with fervor and enthusiasm. This festival epitomizes the unconditional love between a brother and a sister.

On Raksha Bandhan, sisters start their day by tieing Rakhi (holy thread) around their brother's wrist to express their immense love and affection for their brothers. The brothers consider the Rakhi, as a promise taken, for protecting their sisters from every problem if, arising in their lives. According to the Hindu tradition, this thread is considered even stronger than the iron chains. The preparations for this festival starts weeks before. Girls look for various types of Rakhis -unique in design and pattern in almost all the shops of their reach. They also look for delicious sweets as per the likeness of their brothers.


Celebration Day - It is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Shraavana. This year the festival is going to take place on 28th of August.

Legends associated with Rakhi
Indra - A legend goes that Lord Indra found himself being defeated by the demon king. Guru Brihaspati adviced him to tie a Rakhi around the wrist of God Indra. By doing the same he achieved great victory against the demon king.Another important feature of Onam is the Snake Boat Race that takes place on the river Pampa. It proves really an enchanting experience to watch the colourfully decorated boats competing with each other in the boat race.

Yudhishtra - Yudhishtra was the eldest of the Pandavas clan. During the Mahabharata war, he asked Lord Krishna as how can he remain protected, Krishna replied that it is only by the power of Rakhi that you can be protected.

Alexander - At the time when Alexander invaded the Indian sub continent, he had to fight many battles against the King Puru or Porus. It is said that Alexander's wife tied a rakhi to Puru, where in return it is believed that Puru promised to protect her and her husband.