Raksha Bandhan – More Than a Thread: History, Myths, Gift Fights 

Hi guys, I’m your writer and well-wisher!
Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival, it’s an emotional rollercoaster where love, teasing, laughter, and even money negotiations happen all at once. It’s the only day when a single thread (the rakhi) brings back a lifetime of childhood memories and reminds siblings that no matter how far they go in life, their bond remains unbreakable.

What is Raksha Bandhan?

The word “Raksha” means protection, and “Bandhan” means bond. So, Raksha Bandhan is literally “the bond of protection.” It’s a day when a sister ties a sacred thread on her brother’s wrist, wishing for his long life, and the brother promises to protect her. But let’s be honest, today it’s also about gift wars, teasing jokes, and emotional hugs after the drama is over.

The Stories & Myths Behind Raksha Bandhan

This festival has roots in history and mythology that go beyond just siblings:

1. Draupadi & Krishna

When Lord Krishna hurt his finger, Draupadi (the wife of the Pandavas) tore a piece of her saree and tied it around his finger. Krishna promised to always protect her. Years later, when Draupadi was being humiliated in the Kaurava court, Krishna saved her dignity—keeping his promise.

2. Rani Karnavati & Emperor Humayun

When the Mewar kingdom was under attack, Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun. He considered her as his sister and rushed with his army to protect her. That’s the power of a simple thread!

3. Yama & Yamuna

The river goddess Yamuna tied a rakhi to her brother Yama, the God of Death, and he was so touched that he blessed all brothers who receive a rakhi with a long life.

4. Indra & Indrani

In the Rigveda, Indrani tied a protective thread on her husband Indra before he went to war. It was believed to be a shield of love and strength.

5. Rabindranath Tagore’s Social Rakhi

During the Bengal Partition of 1905, Rabindranath Tagore used Raksha Bandhan to unite Hindus and Muslims. People tied rakhis to each other as a symbol of peace and brotherhood.

The Traditional & Modern Rituals

Traditional Way:

• Sister prepares a thali with a diya, sweets, roli, and rakhi.
• She ties the rakhi, applies tilak on the brother’s forehead, and prays for his well-being.
• The brother gives gifts, sweets, or money, promising to protect her.

Modern Twist:

• UPI rakhi transfers – “I’ll send ₹200 on Google Pay, okay?”
• Video call rakhis – “Just hold the rakhi to the screen.”
• Eco-friendly rakhis – Made of seeds that grow into plants.
• Return gift drama – “Cash or gift card? Decide fast!”
• Sibling selfies and reels – Because no festival is complete without Instagram posts.

The Gift Fights – The Best Comedy Show

This is the real fun part of Raksha Bandhan—negotiating the “return gift.”

My elder brother has this iconic line every year:

“Didi, 200 rupees is enough, right? 500 is too much!”

I look at him with my “seriously?” face:

“Bhai, even chai and samosas cost more these days. Inflation doesn’t just affect petrol prices, okay?”

Flashback memory: He used to proudly give me ₹51 and act like he gave me gold. Then I grew up and said, “Come on, at least ₹151!” He upgraded to ₹101 and said, “This is 101 emotions, remember that!”
This year he said, “Let me just pay for your ice-cream next time, that’s better than ₹500.”
Me: “Next time? Which century?” 😂

Funny, Relatable Rakhi Moments

• UPI screenshot drama: “You didn’t send the money.” “Check your account, I sent it at 11:59 PM!”
• Cousins running away: When you try to tie rakhi to every male cousin who visits.
• Pet rakhis: Dogs and cats also get rakhis because… why not?
• Bhabhi tax: “Gift to Bhabhi or no tea for you next time.”
• Return gift reality: Sister spends ₹2000 on gifts, brother gives ₹200 and says, “It’s about love, not money.”

Why Raksha Bandhan Still Feels So Special

Beyond all the teasing and money debates, Raksha Bandhan is about connection. It’s that one day when you remember the little fights over TV remotes, sharing last pieces of chocolate, or covering for each other when you got scolded by parents.

Even if brothers and sisters don’t talk every day, this thread reminds them they’ll always stand by each other.

How You Can Make It Special

• Write a funny or heartfelt letter to your sibling.
• Create a DIY rakhi using beads or old jewelry pieces.
• Make a small photo memory book with childhood pictures.
• Plan a sibling date—coffee, ice cream, or even a fun online game session.
• Record a “Sibling Roast Reel”—funny, sweet, and unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Raksha Bandhan is not about expensive gifts or big parties. It’s about that simple promise of love and protection. Whether your brother sends ₹200, ₹500, or just a voice note saying, “I’m always here for you,” it’s the emotion that counts.

And to my dear elder brother:
“Next year, ₹500 is not luxury. It’s basic survival, okay?” 😂