Rakshabandhan, or Raksha Bandhan, goes beyond the ritual of tying a thread – it celebrates the enduring bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) on their brothers’ wrists as a prayer for their well-being, and brothers pledge to protect their sisters. The phrase Raksha Bandhan literally translates to “bond of protection”. In 2025, Rakhi is on August 9, and siblings mark the occasion by exchanging Rakshabandhan gifts as tokens of love. Today, both brothers and sisters often give gifts to one another, reflecting a modern mutual appreciation.