Raksha Bandhan (redirected from Raksha Bhandan)

Raksha Bandhan

July-August; full moon day of Hindu month of Sravana

This day, sometimes also referred to as Brother and Sister Day, is celebrated in some parts of India by brothers and sisters to reaffirm their bonds of affection, as well as to perform a ritual of protection. A sister ties a bracelet, made of colorful threads and amulets, called a rakhi on her brother's wrists. The brother in turn may give his sister gifts—a piece of jewelry or money—while promising to protect her.
In Nepal it is a festival for both Hindus and Buddhists, for which they may even attend each others' temples. The Brahmins put the golden threads around everyone's wrist; it is worn until Dewali.

CONTACTS:
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Rm. No 123, Transport Bhawan, No. 1, Parliament St.
New Delhi, Delhi 110 001 India
91-11-23715084; fax: 91-11-23715084
www.tourisminindia.com

SOURCES:
BkFest-1937, p. 159
BkHolWrld-1986, Nov 3
EncyRel-1987, vol. 6, p. 362; vol. 15, p. 480
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 466
RelHolCal-2004, p. 172