'Raksha' means protection and 'Bandhan' means 'loving bond'
Traditional Raksha Bandhan
On the Raksha Bandhan day, sister prepares the puja thali with a diya, uncooked rice, roli and rakhi.
She worships Ganesha, and then the deities worshipped in the family. Shen then ties rakhi to her brother (on the right hand) and prays for his well-being.
In return the brother promises to protect her sister and gives her a gift (a sweet).
Brother and sister then share and eat sweets.
The Story of Raksha Bandhan in the Mahabharata
According to the Mahabharata, an important episode linked to the origin of Raksha Bandhan involves Lord Krishna and Draupadi. During a battle, when Krishna used his Sudarshana Chakra to slay Shishupala, his finger was accidentally cut. Seeing him injured, Draupadi immediately tore a piece from her saree and wrapped it around his wound to stop the bleeding. Touched by this spontaneous act of care and affection, Krishna vowed to protect her in times of need.
This incident took place on the day of Shravan Purnima, which later became associated with the celebration of Raksha Bandhan. True to his promise, Krishna came to Draupadi's aid during her humiliation in the court of Hastinapur. When she was being disrobed, Krishna miraculously ensured her modesty by providing an unending stream of cloth, thus safeguarding her dignity. This bond of protection and gratitude between them reflects the spirit of Raksha Bandhan, symbolizing a sacred relationship of care and duty.