| Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the most popular | | | | and also vows to protect her during all times. Also |
| festival in the Indian calendar. It is on Rakhi that the | | | | prayers are made for the well being, good health and |
| precious relationship shared between a brother and a | | | | prosperity of each other. This display of affection is |
| sister is celebrated and strengthened. The name itself | | | | what makes Rakhi a special festival. A simple thread |
| is a giveaway; 'Raksha' implying protection and | | | | of Rakhi brings in so much of emotional energy into a |
| 'Bandhan' signifying the bond. Like all the major | | | | relationship and creates a special and strong bond. |
| festivals of India the occasion of Rakhi cuts across | | | | The sentiments involving the festival of Raksha |
| barriers like religion, caste, colors and is celebrated | | | | Bandhan are enormous and they have a special place |
| with lot of fanfare and excitement among the people | | | | in the hearts of many Indians. Even if distance |
| of India. This unifying factor is what makes Raksha | | | | separates the brother and a sister all efforts are put |
| Bandhan one of the most unique celebrations that is | | | | in place to reach out to each other on the auspicious |
| witnessed anywhere in the world. | | | | day of Rakhi. Gifts are also exchanged between the |
| On the day of Rakhi a sister prepares a pooja thali | | | | brother and the sister on the day of Rakhi. Raksha |
| which includes sweets and the Rakhi. The sister then | | | | Bandhan will be celebrated in India on 5th August, |
| ties a Rakhi on the wrists of her brother and the | | | | 2009. |
| brother in return showers gifts on his loving sister | | | | |