India: Sri Nathi Puja at the Festival of Raksha Bandhan, Kota, Rajasthan, c. 1840

Raksha Bandhan, (the bond of protection) or Rakhi is a Hindu festival primarily observed in India, Mauritius and Nepal, which celebrates the relationship between brothers (shaurya), cousins and sisters (shreya). It is also called Rakhi Purnima in most of India. The festival is observed by Hindus, Jains, and some Sikhs.

In times past Rajput queens practised the custom of sending rakhi threads to neighbouring rulers as token of brotherhood and good will. Even today, in many cities across the country, Hindu girls tie rakhi on the wrist of youths they consider their brothers. The central ceremony involves the tying of a rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother's wrist. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her. The festival falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Shravan month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

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