Whatever happened in the past is celebrated as a festival.The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolises love, affection and a feeling of brotherhood.

It is usually celebrated with joy and excitement in the month of Sravan (between July and August) . The tradition of tying a thread or "rakhi" around the wrist to convey the pledge also reminds us of the "vow of Purity".

There was a fierce battle between the Gods and the demons in which the demons seemed to be in a favorable position. Indra, the king of Gods, became anxious and asked Brihaspathi to suggest a way out. Meanwhile, Indrani (wife of Indra) who was around at the time of consultation, spoke her mind even before Brihaspati could strike upon an idea. She assured them of turning the tables in the Gods' favor. Next day was the Sravan Poornima. She consulted some old scriptures and prepared a "Madadiyu" or talisman which she tied to her husband's wrist. Indra went to the battle field again and the enemies or devils who had seemed so powerful, now beat a quick retreat and the Gods were victorious. Ever since, on Sravan Poornima day, the tradition of tying the thread began and it was believed that the persons would be blessed with health, wealth, happiness and victories.

This practice was also conspicuous with the Rajputs and history is replete with instances related to the significance of this tradition. At the time of war when the brave Rajput soldiers prepared to go to the battle field, the women folk followed the ritual of tying a thread around their wrist after applying a dash of vermillion powder on their forehead. This was considered a sign of good omen and the ladies believed that it would protect their men from the enemy's blow and bring them victory.

According to a popular story, the queen of Mewar, Maharani Karmavati, had to face the threat of Governor Bahadur Shah who laid seige on her kingdom. Unable to fight the army, she sent a rakhi to the Mughal king, Humayun. The muslim emperor who under normal circumstances would not have preferred to help a Hindu ruler, decided to protect her from the threat. Humayun reached Mewar at the nick of time when the queen was preparing for self- immolation. He chased away Bahadur Shah and his men and restored the kingdom back to the queen of Mewar.

In another incident, when King Porous' wife tied a rakhi to the mighty Alexander who fought with her husband, Alexander the great became cowed down and the fierce battle ended in a treaty. That is the significance and power of the flimsy thread! Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in some parts of India as a festival to honour the sea god Varuna.

This is also the day set apart for Brahmins to change the sacred thread that they wear. In Bombay, it is an occasion for offering coconuts to the sea.

Over time however, the significance of rakhi moved on from battle fields to personal relations reflecting the bond of affection. Sisters tied rakhi to their brothers asking for protection. While the sisters also prayed for their brothers' welfare, the latter vowed to take care of them even if it called for some sacrifice on their part. Friends also tied rakhi to reaffirm their solidarity and close bond.

The rakhi thread which was simple and unostentatious, gradually began to be embellished with beads, semi-precious stones, colored or golden/silver threads, satin ribbons, floral motifs etc. Some are very ostentatious and others simple, yet aesthetic. Rakhis are available in different sizes, colors and shapes from the typical round ones to heart shaped, symbolising the bond of love.

The celebration of Raksha Bandhan is marked by happiness and excitement especially for young girls and women. Preparations for the festival begin well in advance. The markets wear a festive look with the colorful, ornate and dazzling rakhis hanging loose or put on display for sale in shops that specially come up for this ocassion. You find them heaped on push carts too. Sweet marts also sell a variety of sweets for the festival. Every year some novel ideas are introduced in the design of rakhis. They come with small painted faces or made of spices like cardamom and clove or grains of rice, corn etc, perhaps to add more spice, color, and variety to the traditional rakhi. Sometimes rakhis have tiny dolls made of fabric, straw or paper stuck on them. The myriad range of rakhis is breathtaking and often the buyers who flock at these shops are left dazed at the display.The girls want to make the best choice and pick the most ornate pieces. After all it will adorn their brothers' wrists!

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, there is a lot of excitement among the girls. After an early bath, the sister invites her brother to wear the rakhi and reaffirm the bond of love. She applies 'tilak' or vermillion powder on his forehead and ties the rakhi on his right hand. She then performs aarti and offers her brother some sweets. After she completes the traditional formalities, the brother gives her a gift as a token of his love and affection. It could be in the form of jewellery, new clothes, money or blessings too! But its value is immeasurable.

The beauty of Raksha Bandhan is that its celebrations are not marred by the hiatus of geographical boundaries. When brothers are far away, sisters still observe the ocassion by sending their token of love by mail. You too could send a rakhi to your near and dear ones by electronic mail from here. And the brothers too reciprocate by sending a gift. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with gaiety by the rich and the poor alike. Whatever be the constraints, the sisters abide by this tradition. And those who cannot afford one also do not hesitate to tie a rakhi even if it is a thin piece of thread! It is also an ocassion to strike new brotherly or sisterly relations if one doesn't have a brother or a sister.

Come Rakhi day, girl students visit the orphanages or prisons to tie rakhi to the inmates there giving them hope that there are people who love and care for them. Raksha Bandhan has always been practised in South India, Bengal, Orissa, Gujarat and Rajasthan. However, it is known to be popular throughout India owing to the cosmopolitan milieu.

During the freedom struggle also there were women who tied rakhis and sought promises from men that they would fight for the freedom of the country. Perhaps this is the reason why Surendranath Banerjee, an illustrious son of India, raised this tradition to the level of a national festival!