Raksha Bandhan has been an Indian tradition for over 500 years, when sisters tied their Rakhi, a type of bracelet, to their brother’s wrists to protect them on the battlefield. The tradition of Raksha Bandhan involves a ceremony between the brother and sister. Raksha means to protect and Bandhan means to bond or tie, meaning the bond of protection.

In a ceremony called “puja” Roshan will sit across from Rohin. She will start by placing some powder on Rohin’s forehead to symbolize success. Then, Roshan will tie her Rakhi (bracelet), on Rohin’s wrist, which symbolizes her asking for his protection. She can’t wait to give her Rakhi to Rohin. She has been working hard at making it, using simple strands of silk thread and decorating it with a flower made out of paper and some tiny plastic disks to make it sparkle. Rakhi’s may be simple or ornate, but they always symbolize a heartfelt love between the sister and brother. Rohin will keep his Rakhi tied to his wrist until the threads break and it falls off. After the tying of the Rakhi, Roshan and Rohin will exchange pieces of candy, like gulab jamun, an Indian candy. This year, Rohin and Roshan helped their mom make the treats! Rohin will give Roshan a gift to symbolize his happiness to protect Roshan from harm. Rohin is going to give Roshan two rupees, Indian coins, as a present.

Raksha Bandhan is one of the most popular festivals in India amongst young siblings because at least this one day they will not fight. Rohin and Roshan want to wish all siblings a happy Raksha Bandhan.