Raksha Bandhan strengthens the cherished bond between brothers and sisters every August. This ancient Hindu festival, dating back millennia, celebrates sibling love through the tying of a sacred thread. Honor your siblings, exchange gifts, and share traditional sweets to partake in this joyous cultural observance.
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Expected Raksha Bandhan Deals
As a significant cultural and family holiday, Raksha Bandhan inspires a range of thoughtful gifts and traditional offerings. While we await specific 2027 promotions, last year saw brands like Manyavar and Fabindia feature traditional attire, while online retailers such as Amazon India and Flipkart offered special Rakhi gift sets including sweets, chocolates, and personalized items. Jewelry brands like Tanishq often promote elegant pieces suitable for sisters. Sweet shops like Haldiram’s and Bikano typically see a surge in demand for traditional Indian sweets like ladoos and barfis. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August approaches.
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Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #RakshaBandhan. Share photos of your Rakhi celebrations, gifts, and family gatherings.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RakshaBandhan. Share stories and videos of sibling bonds and traditional rituals.
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Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create a video showcasing Rakhi tying ceremonies or traditional recipes.
Raksha Bandhan Hero
Lord Krishna and Draupadi
History of Raksha Bandhan
There are many stories revolving around the origin of Raksha Bandhan. One account tells that Raksha Bandhan might have started during the time of the “Mahabharata,” an epic poem and one of the two major events in Hindu mythology. The story dates back to an incident when Krishna cut his finger and Draupadi helped him.
Draupadi cut a piece of cloth from her saree and tied it around the wound to prevent further bleeding. After this act of sisterly love, Krishna pledged to protect her as a brother. The cloth later became a thread and a symbol of the bond between a brother and a sister.
There are other stories suggesting that Raksha Bandhan may have become popular in the third century when Alexander infuriated the Indian King Puru. Alexander’s wife, aware of the Raksha Bandhan festival, approached King Puru with a rakhi. King Puru then decided not to wage war against Alexander.
Some people say that the festival might have spread further in the 16th century when Rani (Queen) Karnavati of Chittor realized that she could not defend the castle against the invasion of Bahadur Shah (Gujrat), so she sent a bracelet to Mughal emperor Humayun.
Indians all over the world celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. It is a day for families to come together and involves special prayers (‘puja’). It is considered an auspicious day.
Raksha Bandhan timeline
Draupadi ties a piece of saree to Krishna's wound.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by people of all religions.
Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore encourages men and women to tie rakhi to unite people of different communities/religions, promote unity and spread hope.
Raksha Bandhan continues to be celebrated by millions of Indians all around the world.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Raksha Bandhan
Local businesses can embrace Raksha Bandhan by creating culturally relevant promotions. Indian restaurants and sweet shops can offer special festive menus and gift boxes of traditional sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi. Retailers selling ethnic wear or jewelry can highlight their collections as ideal gifts for siblings. Boutiques can host workshops on making handmade Rakhis, while online gift stores can curate special Rakhi hampers for easy gifting. Focus on authenticity and the spirit of sibling love.
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See MoreRaksha Bandhan FAQs
When is Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on Friday, August 28. This auspicious day celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters across India and beyond.
How many people celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is primarily celebrated by Hindus, who constitute over 80% of India’s population, totaling more than a billion people. It is also observed by many Jains and some Sikhs, as well as in Nepali culture, making it a widespread cultural event.
What is the significance of Raksha Bandhan?
The term ‘Raksha Bandhan’ literally means ‘the bond of protection.’ It signifies a sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being, and a brother’s lifelong vow to protect his sister from harm. The sacred thread, or Rakhi, symbolizes this unbreakable bond.
What is a Rakhi?
A Rakhi is a sacred thread, often intricately decorated, that a sister ties around her brother’s wrist during the Raksha Bandhan ceremony. It can range from simple cotton threads to elaborate designs adorned with beads, stones, and charms, symbolizing her love and prayers.
How to Observe Raksha Bandhan
Tie a rakhi
It is time to be a good sister. Buy a rakhi from your nearest store or get it online. Take part in the ‘pooja’ (prayer) if you follow Indian traditions. Tie the rakhi on your brother's wrist. You can also put tilak (saffron powder) on your brother's forehead. Remember to collect your gift from your brother.
Share it on social media
Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures of you tying a rakhi on your brother's wrist and share them online. You can also write posts, encouraging others to take part in the celebrations.
Make traditional Indian sweets
There are many Indian sweets you can make. Try making ladoos, jalebis, gulab jamun, rasmalai, or kaju katli. You can also buy them if you have a sweet shop that sells these Indian sweets.
5 Facts About Rakhi That Will Blow Your Mind
They are made with different materials
Rakhis are made of threads of cotton, silk, satin, etc.
They come in different types
Rakhis come in different forms like beaded rakhis, bracelet types, pearl rakhis, and zari work rakhis.
There are rakhis for different purposes
Lumba rakhis are tied by women to their sisters-in-law.
They are mostly in Kolkata
The city of Kolkata, India produces the highest number of rakhis in the country.
Rakhis are given to devotees too
In Jainism, the temple priest might give rakhis to devotees on Raksha Bandhan.
Why Raksha Bandhan is Important
It celebrates the bond between a brother and a sister
There aren't many festivals in the world that celebrate the relationship of a brother and a sister. Raksha Bandhan provides an opportunity for brothers and sisters to celebrate their affection and do something for each other.
It gives us a chance to spend time with family
This day brings everyone in the family closer. The day begins with poojas, the preparation of traditional delicacies, and spending time with family.
It is a day of learning
This day allows us to learn about different cultures and traditions. For people who are not familiar with Raksha Bandhan, it is an excellent opportunity to learn and participate in the event and experience something out of the ordinary.
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