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On this day brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists as a mark of affection. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts.
The festival of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi has a rich background and has several stories related to its existence.
The most famous of them are-
Yama and Yamuna: According to Hindu Mythology,Yamuna the sister of Lord Yama (the God of death) tied a sacred thread (Rakhi) to Lord Yama on every "Shravan Purnima" (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan or Monsoon). Thereafter, it was considered a tradition for sisters to tie a Rakhi or the sacred thread to their brothers on this day. In return, the brothers bestow blessings on their sisters and promises to protect them from all the problems and difficulties that they might ever face.
King Bali and Goddess Laxmi: According to another Hindu mythology, a King called Raja Bali who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu(a Hindu God) made Lord Indra (the king of Heaven) feel insecure and threatend. Indra worshipped Lord Vishnu and asked the Lord to help him save his throne. Vishnu accepted Indra's prayer and overthrew King Bali. Later, Lord Vishnu gave King Bali the boon of immortality and also promised to take care of his kingdom. To keep his promise, Vishnu left his residence, 'Vaikunthdham', and went to safeguard Bali's kingdom.
Later Goddess Laxmi, wife of Lord Vishnu, went to meet Raja Bali, dressed as a poor Brahmin lady, and requested him for shelter. She regarded Raja Bali as her brother and tied a Rakhi to his wrist, on the 'Shravan Poornima' day. When Bali wished to give her some present, she revealed her true identity and the reason for her arrival. She asked Bali to send Lord Vishnu back to Vaikunthdham. Raja Bali immediately requested Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi to return.
King Porus and Alexander's Wife:The ancient history of India tells us that when Alexander the great came to India, to make it a part of his kingdom, resistance was offered by the brave King Porus. The bravery of Porus led Alexander's wife to doubt the safety of her husband. Therfore she sent Porus a Rakhi and became his sister. And it is believed that it was the reason why Porus never harmed Alexander.
Maharani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun:
Medieval Indian history, narrates the tale of Maharani Karnawati and Mughal Emperor Humayun. Maharani Karnawati was the queen of the Rajput Kingdom, Chittor, in Rajasthan. When her kingdom Chittor was threatened by Bahadur Shah of Mewar, the Maharani sent a Rakhi to Humayun, the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, requesting him for help. Humayun who was very well aware of the significance of Rakhi in the Hindu community, immediately accepted her request to protect her.
This year the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 13th.
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