
Raksha Bandhan
A day honouring the love between brothers and sisters; raksha bandhan is observed on the day the full moon in the Hindu month of Shavran and celebrated by Hindus, Jains and many Sikhs.
On this day the sister will first put a red tilaka on her brother’s forehead using powdered red turmeric. This signifies her wish for her brother’s well being – good health, prosperity and happiness. A sacred thread called a rakhi is then tied around his right wrist. The rakhi symbolizes a bond of protection and is usually made from silver and gold threads and embroidered sequins. The sister will finally feed her brother a sweet. In return, her brother will gift her, commonly with money, as a way of expressing that he will always protect and look after her.