RAKSHA BANDHAN

The annual "festival" of Raksha Bandhan, which commemoratse the abiding ties between siblings. It usually takes place in late August, and is marked by a very simple ceremony in which a woman ties a rakhi around the wrist of her brother(s).

The word "raksha" signifies protection, and "bandhan" is an association signifying an enduring bond; and so, when a woman ties a rakhi around the wrist of her brother, she signifies her loving attachment to him. He, likewise, recognizes the special bonds between them, and by extending his wrist forward, he in fact extends the hand of his protection over her.

The thread-tying ceremony is sometimes preceded by the woman conducting aarti before her brother, so that the blessings of God may be showered upon him. After the conclusion of the ceremony, she places a sweet in his mouth, and he might return the gesture. The brother bestows a small gift upon his sister, generally in the form of a small sum of money.