Shravan Purnima — a bright moon in the sky, a lamp in the courtyard, silken threads in hand. This is the day of Raksha Bandhan. The Puranic tradition speaks of Shravan Purnima as a deeply important day — this month is a time of nature's renewal, of water meeting life.
According to the Bhavishya Purana, a fierce battle once broke out between the gods and the demons. There was a powerful demon named Vritrasura. He was so mighty that even Indra, king of the gods, began to falter before him. Indra's strength was waning.
The Bhavishya Purana continues — Indrani Shachi prayed to the gods for her husband Indra's victory. Then she prepared a sacred thread. On the day of Shravan Purnima, Indrani tied that protective thread around Indra's wrist. It was a thread — but woven into it were both love and resolve.
Indra went to the battlefield with that protective thread on his wrist. According to the Bhavishya Purana, Indra defeated Vritrasura. The thread's power was not in the thread itself — it was in the feeling behind Indrani's act, in her determination.
This story is considered one of the oldest references to the raksha sutra (protective thread) in the Puranas. Over time, this tradition spread through families. Between brother and sister, it took on a special form. In tradition, sisters have tied the raksha sutra on their brothers' wrists, and brothers have given gifts in the spirit of looking after them. It is a bond of mutual love and responsibility.
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, preparations begin in homes from early morning. A thali (platter) is arranged with roli (red powder), rice, a lamp, and colourful rakhis. The sister applies tilak on her brother's forehead, ties the raksha sutra on his wrist, offers him sweets. The brother gives a gift. The family sits together.
On this same day, in some traditions, Shravani Upakarma is also observed — a ritual connected to the tradition of Vedic study and learning, which the Puranas describe as Shravan month being a time of knowledge and auspicious beginnings.
In coastal villages of Maharashtra and Goa, Narali Purnima is celebrated on this same day. The fishing community offers coconuts to the sea — welcoming the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the fishing season. This too is a kind of bond — between human beings and nature.
One small thread. But wrapped into it is complete trust, old affection, and the feeling of being there for each other. Perhaps that is why this festival has been celebrated, for so many years, in so many homes, on so many mornings.
One small thread — but woven into it is complete trust.
Raksha Bandhan has never been only a brother-sister festival. In Puranic tradition, sages tied the raksha sutra to disciples, teachers to students, and community members to one another. This bond goes beyond blood relation — it is a commitment to care and companionship. Wherever there is affection, this thread finds its home.
The word 'raksha' (protection) in this festival is not one-directional. The one who ties the thread becomes just as much bound by it as the one whose wrist it is tied on. It is a symbol of mutual affection — of being present for each other, of caring for one another.
Different parts of India celebrate this day in different forms. The forms change, but the feeling stays the same — this is a day for families to come together. The fragrance of sweets, the touch of the thread, and a few moments spent with those we love — that is this festival's truest inheritance.
- Sister tying the raksha sutra on her brother's wrist.
- Applying tilak of roli and rice on the forehead.
- Offering and sharing sweets.
- Brother giving a gift to his sister.
- Family meal and gathering together.
- Taking blessings from elders.
- In some traditions, arranging a thali with a lit lamp.