The Story Behind Raksha Bandhan

The Story Behind Raksha Bandhan: Myths, History, and Traditions

It a beautiful Indian festival that honours the unbreakable bond between siblings this year being celebrated on August 9, 2025. On Raksha Bandhan a sister ties a sacred thread known as ‘RAKHI’ on her brother’s wrist, and he pledges to protect and cherish her always through every difficulty in life always protecting his sister.

First Raksha Bandhan is mythologically known to happen when Lord Krishna’s finger bled during battle and Draupadi tore her sari to bandage it and then he vowed to protect her forever ,a promise that he kept during her darkest hour. Also, Goddess Lakshmi once tied a Rakhi to King Bali, turning the hostility into affection, and securing a place in his heart that’s the power this thread of love have.

For the historical glimpse of this festival Rani Karnavati of Mewar sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun in return asking him to defend her kingdom. In respect of the Rakhi he marched his army in response proving how a Rakhi could transcend blood ties.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated when sisters tie Rakhi with sweets and smiles on their brothers wrist and in return he gives gifts, blessings, and heartfelt promises of lifelong protecting and guiding her at every step in life. Families come together, childhood memories are relived, and even cousins and friends exchange Rakhi’s.

Some people now even tie Rakhi’s to trees, animals, or soldiers promoting love and social unity. The festival is celebrated across the whole India, Nepal and even by Indian diaspora abroad with equal love and joy. Raksha Bandhan is more than just a thread, it is  a timeless promise of love, protection, and the unbreakable bond that ties siblings together for life.