Raksha Bandhan: A Promise of Protection, a Lifetime of Love

One simple thread carrying centuries of tradition for billions, Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival that celebrates the sacred bond between siblings. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi, a colored and beaded thread, onto the wrist of their brothers, and in return, the brother promises to protect her during difficult times.

In literary terms, Raksha means protection, and Bandhan means bond. The Raksha Bandhan festival is therefore called the bond of protection.

This year’s Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated on August 9, 2025, on the full moon of Shravana Month, which coincides with Upa-Karma, the Avani Avittom in South India. Let’s look at the cultural and religious significance of this beautiful festival and how you can celebrate it with your loved ones while making memories.

Religious and Cultural Significance of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan’s significance roots back to the time of the Mahabharata, when Draupadi had tied a bandage to Lord Krishna’s wounded finger, by tearing apart a piece of cloth from her Saree. Moved by her gesture, Lord Krishna promised to protect her, a promise he later fulfilled when he saved her from humiliation by the Kauravas.

According to the Bhavishya Purana, when Lord Indra, the king of Devas, was facing defeat at the hands of Vritra Asura, his spiritual guide Deva Guru Brihaspati advised him to wear a thread (rakhi) for protection against his enemies. Following this counsel, Sachi Devi, Indra’s consort, tied a rakhi on his wrist.

Another religious reference links the Rakhi tradition to the worship of the sea-god Varuna. On this day, fishermen make the offering of rakhi and coconut to the sea God while participating in ceremonial baths and fairs near water bodies. Therefore, Raksha Bandhan is also known as Nariyal Poornima.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration- Rituals and Shubh Muhurata

On Raksha Bandhan, many women first tie a rakhi on the Tulasi plant and the peepal tree to pray for the protection of nature. After performing this ritual, they visit their brothers and prepare a thali with a beautiful rakhi, roli, rice, and an earthen lamp.

The sister then prays for her brother's happiness and applies the tilak on his forehead while tying the rakhi thread on her brother’s wrist. The brother, in return, promises to protect his sister from all the evils in the world and stand by her in difficult times.

Exchange heartfelt words today with your siblings, reshare your old pictures, and relive memories to strengthen your bond.

Raksha Bandhan Celebrations Across India

During India’s independence movement and amid the partition of Bengal, poet and Nobel prize winner Rabindranath Tagore gave a deeper meaning to Raksha Bandhan. He encouraged Hindus and Muslims to tie Rakhis as a symbol of unity and brotherhood.

Many women in India started to tie rakhis to soldiers, expressing their gratitude and praying for the well-being of the protectors of the country. Today, many Indian women are celebrating their Raksha Bandhan with this tradition.

Everyone can participate in such unique celebrations and show their respect to our leading social workers and policemen protecting us from crimes and mishappenings. This festival is a beautiful way to honor and respect our protectors and pray for their well-being.

Celebration of Universal Bonds and A Promise of Love and Protection

The beauty of Raksha Bandhan is not confined only to the bond between brother and sister. A rakhi can be tied by a disciple to their guru and even by a person to another to express their love and gratitude to them.

At Dera Sacha Sauda, millions of devotees express their heartfelt love and devotion to the spiritual leader and Guru, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan on Rakshabandhan.

Revered Guru ji teaches that brothers and sisters should be supportive of each other, offering protection and gentle guidance if one of them strays onto a wrong path. Saint Dr. MSG emphasizes the importance of nurturing this bond throughout one's life by always caring for each other.

Guru ji also speaks of Raksha Bandhan as a promise of protection: to protect unborn daughters from being killed, to protect society from social evils, to protect our nation from its enemies, and to protect the goodness and goodwill of the world.

His teachings have brought about a massive social change, transforming hearts and minds at the grass roots level.

Conclusion

Raksha Bandhan conveys the message of universal brotherhood and sisterhood, teaching us how to bridge the gaps between communities and build a society flourishing with harmony, love, and mutual respect.

Celebrate this special day with your loved ones and offer your respect to the people who protect us. Spend quality time with your family and rebuild those bonds that were lost in our busy lives.

May this Raksha Bandhan give you endless memories. Happy Raksha Bandhan!