Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Shravana — typically in August. 'Raksha' means protection and 'Bandhan' means bond — together, the Festival of the Protective Bond. On this day, sisters tie a coloured thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists, symbolising their love and their wish for his protection. The brother, in return, pledges his care and gives a gift. The festival is fundamentally about the sacred bond between siblings — an affirmation of mutual love that transcends geography and time.
The Legends of Raksha Bandhan
Several stories in Hindu mythology connect to Raksha Bandhan. In the Bhagavata Purana, when the demon Bali defeated Indra and the devas, Indra's wife Shachi tied a protective thread around Indra's wrist after a ritual, and Indra was ultimately victorious. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi is said to have torn a strip of her sari and tied it around Krishna's wrist when he cut his finger on the Sudarshana Chakra — Krishna, moved by this act of love, promised to repay her whenever she was in need. He fulfilled this vow years later during Draupadi's vastraharan (disrobing) in Duryodhana's court, miraculously extending her sari. These stories establish rakhi as both a practical protective gesture and a symbol of unconditional love.
The Rakhi Ceremony
On Raksha Bandhan morning, sisters prepare a puja thali with the rakhi thread, kumkum, rice (akshadalu), a diya (lamp), sweets, and sometimes coconut. The brother sits while the sister applies tilak on his forehead, waves the aarti thali in a circle, and then ties the rakhi on his right wrist. She feeds him a sweet and prays for his long life and wellbeing. The brother promises to protect her and gives her a gift — traditionally money, sweets, or a piece of clothing. In families where the brother and sister are in different cities, rakhis are sent by post or courier, and the ceremony is performed over a video call.
Raksha Bandhan in Telugu Homes
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Raksha Bandhan is observed alongside the regional Shravana Purnima traditions. The Shravana month itself is sacred for Shiva and snake worship, and the Purnima carries additional significance. Telugu families observe the rakhi ceremony with genuine warmth, and it has grown in popularity over generations. Beyond biological siblings, the practice of tying rakhi to close male friends, cousins, or even deities (as a community ritual) is also observed. On this day, many girls also tie rakhis to their fathers or grandfathers as a mark of love. Simultaneously, the Avani Avittam (sacred thread renewal for Brahmin men) is observed on the same Shravana Purnima.