Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi), Jandhyala / Sravana Poornima

Introduction

Raksha Bandhan (Lit. "Tie of Protection") is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Shravan (which falls in July-Aug). Shravan is a Hindu lunar calendar month considered to be extremely holy, and as such a lot of fasts and rituals are undertaken and vegetarianism is enforced.

This festive occasion is also known as Rakhi Pournima ('Pournima' means full moon day). This festival is celebrated all over the country with different names such as Rakhi, Kajari Poornima, Kajari Navami, Nariyal Poornima, Jandhyala Poornima, Sravana Poornima and Avani Avittam. This festival is also known as "Saloono" – Persian, for New Year.

The highlight of this festival is the Rakhi – a silken thread - that sisters tie around the wrists of their brothers. Those who do not have elder brothers tie this piece of sacred thread to their younger brothers. Those who do not have any brother tie it to friends or even strangers who then ‘becomes’ a brother for life! In a broader sense, the tying of Rakhi signifies the duty of the strong to protect the weak. Rakhis are designed out of Zari, silk, plastic, semi precious stones or embroidered cloth and sequins. Globalisation has taken near and dear ones across the seas; yet traditions have not died – Rakhis get mailed well in advance for the auspicious occasion to remind the brother of his sister!

This festival is very significant in India where the society considers interpersonal relations sacrosanct.