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Raksha Bandhan, the protective thread
A sister ties a thread on a brother's wrist, which is believed to protect him, and he promises his protection in return.
About Raksha Bandhan, the protective thread
On the full-moon day of Shravana, a woman ties a rakhi, a decorated thread or band, on her brother's wrist, applies a mark of vermilion to his forehead and offers sweets, and he gives a gift and a pledge to look after her. The thread is held to be a protective charm (raksha), and a tale tells how Indrani tied one on her husband Indra before battle. Rakhis may be tied to cousins, friends and neighbours, and priests tie a consecrated thread on the wrists of devotees at many rites. In 1905, Rabindranath Tagore used the custom in Bengal as a gesture of unity during the partition protests. Critics say that its message of male protection rests on the idea of female dependence, and some families now reverse or soften it.
Also part of it, and being written: Raksha Bandhan (The festival.), Rakhi (The thread itself.), Kautuka (The protective thread tied in Hindu ritual.).
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Raksha Bandhan" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family, and are described as belief and practice. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.