Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a special festival celebrated in India. The name “Raksha Bandhan” comes from two Hindi words: “Raksha,” which means protection, and “Bandhan,” which means bond. This festival is all about the special bond of protection between brothers and sisters.
On Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a colorful thread called a “rakhi” around their brothers’ wrists. This shows their love and care for each other. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters. Sisters also pray for their brothers to have long and healthy lives. It’s a tradition for brothers to give gifts to their sisters, making their bond even stronger.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the lunar month of Shravan, usually in August. It often happens around the same time as Friendship Day, which is on the first Sunday of August. Both festivals share themes of love, protection, and friendship.
Like many Indian festivals, Raksha Bandhan includes a delicious feast. Families enjoy special Indian breads, spicy vegetable rice, and a variety of sweet desserts. Sharing food is a wonderful way for families to come together and celebrate.
Rakhis are made from colorful threads and often have beautiful designs. While traditional rakhis are simple, there are many fancy ones, especially for kids. Tying a rakhi is a powerful symbol of the bond between siblings, just like friendship bands show the connection between friends.
There are many legends about Raksha Bandhan. One famous story is about Rani Karnavati, the Queen of Chittor, who sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun asking for his protection. This story shows how a simple thread can represent a strong bond and support.
Friendship Day was introduced by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, in the early 1900s. In 1935, the U.S. Congress made the first Sunday of August the official Friendship Day. This day was created to promote friendship and unity, especially after World War I.
In 2011, the United Nations declared July 30 as International Friendship Day. This day highlights the importance of friendship across different cultures and countries. It encourages people to strengthen their bonds, no matter their race, color, gender, religion, or ethnicity, creating a sense of global community.
Both Raksha Bandhan and Friendship Day celebrate the importance of connection—whether it’s between siblings or friends. They remind us to protect and cherish our relationships, helping to create a more peaceful world. As Michael Jackson’s song “Heal the World” suggests, spreading love and friendship can make the world a better place for everyone.
Think about what makes your friends and siblings special. Share your thoughts and show gratitude for having them in your life. For more fun ideas and activities related to Raksha Bandhan and Friendship Day, explore our website for additional resources and DIY ideas.
Create Your Own Rakhi: Gather some colorful threads, beads, and stickers. Make your own rakhi by weaving the threads together and decorating it with beads and stickers. Think about the person you want to give it to and what makes them special to you. Share your creation with a family member or friend and explain why you chose those colors and decorations.
Friendship Day Card Exchange: Use paper, crayons, and markers to create a friendship card for a classmate or friend. Write a message inside about why they are a good friend and what you appreciate about them. Exchange cards with your friends and discuss how it feels to receive and give kind words.
Story Time with Legends: With the help of a parent or teacher, read or listen to the story of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun. Discuss what you learned from the story about friendship and protection. Think about a time when you helped a friend or when a friend helped you. Share your story with the class or your family.
