Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful and sacred Hindu festival that honors the deep bond between brothers and sisters. Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Shravan month, this festival is marked by love, rituals, and the symbolic act of tying a rakhi — a thread that represents protection, trust, and affection.
But Raksha Bandhan is not just about exchanging gifts or sweets — it carries a rich mythological and spiritual significance. Behind the colorful celebrations lies the tradition of observing a vrat (fast) and performing a puja (ritual worship), which many devotees follow with devotion and discipline.
This article presents the Raksha Bandhan Vrat Katha (sacred story) and Puja Vidhi (step-by-step ritual) in simple Hindi language, making it easy for anyone — from children to elders — to understand and perform the puja correctly.
Whether you're observing the festival at home or teaching younger family members, this guide will help you honor the tradition with clarity and reverence.
Happy Raksha Bandhan!
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi Purnima, is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals that celebrates the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. Falling on the full moon day of the Shravan month, Raksha Bandhan is marked by love, protection, rituals, and age-old traditions. The festival is not only about tying the sacred thread but also involves a vrat (fast) and puja vidhi (ritual worship) that holds immense spiritual and emotional significance.
In this article, we will explore the complete Raksha Bandhan Vrat Katha (mythological story) and step-by-step Puja Vidhi, helping you understand the deeper meaning of this auspicious day.
The term Raksha Bandhan is a combination of two Sanskrit words —
"Raksha" meaning protection and "Bandhan" meaning bond or tie.
Together, it signifies the sacred thread of protection that binds siblings in a promise of lifelong care, love, and loyalty. Traditionally, it reflects the brother’s vow to protect his sister, while the sister prays for his well-being and success.
At its core, Raksha Bandhan celebrates the unique emotional bond between brothers and sisters. Beyond gifts and rituals, it is a reminder of the love, shared memories, and responsibilities that siblings hold for one another throughout their lives.
While it is a family-centric festival, Raksha Bandhan also holds spiritual depth. The act of tying a rakhi is believed to ward off evil, attract blessings, and strengthen karmic relationships. It reinforces values such as duty, compassion, and selflessness.
The festival is deeply embedded in mythological tales and historical legends. Stories from the Mahabharata, Bhavishya Purana, and royal narratives like that of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun, have all contributed to the festival’s legacy as a symbol of trust and protection, often extending beyond familial lines.
In modern times, Raksha Bandhan has also come to represent universal brotherhood and social harmony. It is not limited to just biological siblings but is also celebrated among friends, neighbors, and even soldiers, reflecting the broader ideals of unity and mutual respect.
Also Read: Top Temples in India to Celebrate Janmashtami: A Pilgrim's Guide
There are several legends associated with Raksha Bandhan. Here are the most popular Vrat Kathas:
One of the most emotional tales associated with Raksha Bandhan is that of Draupadi and Lord Krishna.
According to the Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna injured his finger while fighting the evil Shishupala, Draupadi immediately tore a piece of her saree and tied it on Krishna’s bleeding finger. Moved by her gesture, Krishna vowed to protect her forever. Years later, during the infamous disrobing scene in the Kaurava court, Krishna came to her rescue and miraculously saved her honor.
This tale highlights the spiritual essence of Raksha Bandhan, where the bond of protection goes beyond blood relations.
As per the Bhavishya Purana, there was a fierce battle between gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras). Indra, the king of gods, was losing the war. His wife Indrani (Shachi) prepared a sacred thread and tied it around his wrist after performing a ritual and chanting mantras.
The divine power of the Raksha Sutra protected Indra and turned the tide of battle. He emerged victorious. This story is often referred to during Raksha Bandhan to emphasize the protective power of the rakhi.
Lord Vishnu had promised to guard King Bali’s kingdom. To fulfill this promise, he left Vaikuntha and started living in Bali’s palace. Goddess Lakshmi, missing her husband, disguised herself as a Brahmin woman and approached King Bali on Shravan Purnima.
She tied a rakhi on his wrist and asked for a boon. When he agreed, she revealed her true identity and asked him to release Vishnu. Touched by her love and sacrifice, Bali accepted her as a sister and let Lord Vishnu return to Vaikuntha.
Before beginning the Raksha Bandhan rituals, one should prepare the following items:
Rakhi (sacred thread)
Roli (vermilion) and turmeric
Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
Diya (oil lamp)
Sweets (like laddoo or barfi)
Kalash (water vessel)
Flowers and incense sticks
Coconut (optional)
A clean red cloth or puja thali
The day begins with snan (bath) and sankalp (resolution) for the vrat. Sisters may choose to observe a fast (vrat) until the rakhi is tied, as a mark of devotion and protection.
A beautifully decorated puja thali is prepared with roli, rice, diya, rakhi, sweets, and flowers. A raksha sutra mantra may be chanted or kept written in the thali.
The sister performs an aarti for her brother, circling the diya in a clockwise motion around his face. She then applies a tilak of roli and rice grains on his forehead.
The sacred thread (rakhi) is tied on the brother’s right wrist while chanting the following mantra:
"Yena baddho Bali Raja danavendro mahabalah
tena tvam abhibadhnami rakshe maachal maachala."
Meaning:
I tie on you the raksha which was tied on King Bali, the king of demons. May it protect you from all evils.
After tying the rakhi, the sister feeds her brother sweets and prays for his health, happiness, and long life. In return, the brother blesses her with love and often gives her a gift or monetary token.
Some families also make charitable donations or feed Brahmins as part of the puja tradition. Later, a festive meal is shared among family members.
Raksha Bandhan, the beloved festival celebrating the sacred bond between siblings, will be observed in 2025 on Saturday, August 9. Here's everything you need to know to celebrate it at the most auspicious time:
Purnima Tithi Begins: August 8, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends: August 9, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony (Shubh Muhurat): 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM on August 9
Bhadra Begins: August 8 at 2:12 PM
Bhadra Ends: August 9 at 1:52 AM
Raksha Bandhan rituals should not be performed during Bhadra. Fortunately, Bhadra ends before sunrise, so the entire day of August 9 is auspicious for celebrations.
Sisters prepare a Rakhi thali with roli, rice grains, sweets, and a diya.
They apply tilak, tie the Rakhi on their brother’s wrist, and offer prayers for his well-being.
Brothers give gifts and vow to protect their sisters.
Families enjoy festive meals and spend quality time together.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated differently across India:
In Maharashtra, it coincides with Narali Purnima, where fishermen offer coconuts to the sea.
In South India, the festival is known as Avani Avittam, mainly observed by Brahmins.
In parts of Rajasthan and MP, women also tie rakhis to the king or priests for protection of their families.
In Nepal, it is called Janai Purnima, when sacred threads are changed by men.
While rooted in tradition, Raksha Bandhan has beautifully evolved. Today, rakhis are tied not only by sisters to brothers but also to cousins, sisters-in-law (Lumba Rakhi), friends, and even soldiers, symbolizing universal love and solidarity.
The message of protection, trust, and emotional bonding continues to resonate in today’s world where relationships are more meaningful than ever.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm in countries with large Indian diaspora including:
Nepal
Mauritius
Fiji
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
UAE and other Gulf countries
Festivals, rakhi fairs, community gatherings, and cultural programs are often organized to keep the traditions alive.
Conclusion: A Thread That Ties Hearts Across Time
Raksha Bandhan is more than just a festival — it is a powerful expression of love, duty, and protection that transcends generations. Whether it’s the touching tale of Draupadi and Krishna or the sacred ritual of tying a rakhi with prayers, each aspect of Raksha Bandhan reinforces the value of relationships rooted in trust and care.
By observing the Vrat Katha and performing the Puja Vidhi with sincerity, we honor not only tradition but also the spiritual essence of the day. In a world that often rushes forward, Raksha Bandhan invites us to pause, reflect, and cherish our bonds — with siblings, with loved ones, and with our cultural heritage.
As you celebrate Raksha Bandhan this year, may the sacred thread you tie or receive serve as a reminder of your shared journey, mutual respect, and eternal connection.