Today (30/08/2023) marks the traditional Hindu festival, Rasksha Bandhan. Often referred to as just “Rakhi” this festival is a commemoration of the special bond between brothers and sisters. Raksha Bandhan is observed annually on the last day of the Hindu month called Shraavana.
Raksha roughly translates to protection, whereas Bandhan means tie or bond, therefore Raksha Bandhan means “bond of protection”. During this religious festival sisters tie a sacred thread, called Rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists. This is not just a piece of thread, the Rakhi thread symbolises the strong bond between siblings, as well as the love and care sisters have for their brothers. In return the brothers usually gift their sisters money and gifts, similarly this act symbolises love and appreciation for their sisters. The tying of the Rakhi and gift giving also symbolises the eternal protection and support between siblings.
British Online Archives would like to wish all those partaking in this religious festival a very Happy Raksha Bandhan!