Rakhi - Rudhraksha*

Raksha Bandhan is August 7th, 2017!

Raksha Bandhan, also abbreviated to Rakhi, is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar.

The word Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. Traditionally, during the festival sisters tie a rakhi, a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads, around their brothers' wrists to celebrate their relationship.

Today the festival has developed with others joining in the festivities:

• Priests tie rakhis around the wrists of congregation members
• Rakhis are often shared between close friends
• Women tie rakhis around the wrists of leaders
• Rakhis are tied around the wrists of soldiers