Festival facts: Raksha Bandhan

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Find out all about the festival of Raksha Bandhan and why brothers give special bracelts to their sisters

What is Raksha Bandhan?

This Hindu festival takes place in August. It is based around a simple ceremony when a woman ties a rakhi, which can be a simple thread or a more elaborately decorated string or bracelet, around the wrist of her own or ‘adopted’ brother. ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ relates to the forming of an enduring bond between two people. There may be times when a brother and sister do not like each other, but the rakhis used in the ceremony symbolize the eternal bond between siblings that can overcome these difficulties, and celebrates the strength and responsibilities of this tie.