RAKSHA BANDHAN 

Raksha Bandhan 2020: One of the oldest festivals in India, Raksha Bandhan, also referred to as ‘Rakhi’ is a day that celebrates the bond and the love between a brother and a sister, or siblings in general. The words ‘raksha bandhan’ literally means the ‘the bond of safety and security’ that siblings promise each other, no matter the circumstances. While the dates vary each year, it is normally celebrated around this time of the year. This year, it falls on August 3, which is a Monday.

Hindus around the world believe that the festival has much historical and mythological significance. In Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna had cut his finger while using his divine discus, Draupadi had dressed up his wound using the loose end of her saree. Thus, he had promised to protect her always, and he had kept his word especially during her public humiliation in the Hastinapur royal court.

Over the years, the tradition has continued with sisters tying a ‘rakhi’ around the wrist of brothers, and them promising to protect them always. The rakhi band itself serves as a protection for the brothers. Nowadays, you can find many different rakhis — of different colours, varieties and designs.