Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Festival – 7th August 2017
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in Shravana month during full moon day or Purnima day. Raksha Bandhan in Sanskrit literally means "the tie or knot of protection". The word Raksha means protection, while Bandhan is the verb to tie. It is an ancient Hindu festival that ritually celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters. During the festival, sisters tie a rakhi (a holy thread) around their brothers’ wrists signifying love and well being of their brothers. In return, brothers ritually pledge to protect and take care of their sisters under all circumstances. To many, the festival transcends biological family, brings together men and women across religions, diverse ethnic groups and ritually emphasizes harmony and love. The prayer uttered during this festival is a self composed note, or one of many published Rakhi poems and prose. One of the earliest examples of a Rakhi prayer is found in Book V, Chapter V of Vishnu Purana ; it is the pr