Raksha Bandhan Hindu holiday Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Raksha-Bandhan Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Raksha-Bandhan Also known as: Janai Purnima, Rakhi, Rakhi Purnima Written by Charles Preston Charles Preston is Associate Editor for Religion at Encyclopædia Britannica. Charles Preston Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Jul 30, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Also called: Rakhi or Rakhi Purnima (Show more) Raksha Bandhan, joyful family holiday in late summer observed predominantly but not exclusively among Hindus of north India that celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers. In a ceremony, a sister ties a string bracelet or amulet, usually of red or yellow thread, called a rakhi on the right wrist of her brother, and the siblings exchange sweets. Traditionally the practice acknowledges and symbolizes the bond (bandhana) of mutual protection (raksha) between siblings with a particular emphasis on the brother’s role in protecting the sister. Rakhi tying can sometimes include cousins as well as siblings. The festival takes place on ...(100 of 1311 words)

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