Raksha Bandhan
India's sibling bond festival
Significance
The word means 'bond of protection'. References appear in the Mahabharata (Draupadi tying a cloth on Krishna's wrist) and across Indian mythology.
A simple ritual across every home: sisters tie a decorative thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists, brothers pledge protection in return, and families exchange sweets. Post offices handle record parcels for weeks prior.
First-time visitor
Visit a Krishna temple in the morning, join an Indian family for the home ritual, share sweets.
What to see
- Rakhi tying in the morning after aarti
- Brothers gift cash or jewellery
- Sweets exchanged across the extended family
- Temple visits in Krishna towns like Vrindavan
Festival foods
Best for
Travel tips
- 1Vrindavan's ISKCON holds a grand Rakhi ceremony
- 2Nearly all offices give a half-day — expect light traffic
- 3Post offices are overwhelmed a week prior
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Questions & Answers
About Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan 2026 is scheduled for 28 Aug 2026. That's 126 days from today.
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