Rakhi
/ˈrɑːki/noun
A sacred thread tied on the wrist during the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, symbolizing protection and a bond of care.
Did you know?Rakhi comes from the Sanskrit root related to protection, and the festival’s name Raksha Bandhan literally means a “bond of protection,” turning a simple thread into a ritual promise.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣā
“protection, guarding, preservation”
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣā-bandhana
“a binding or tying for protection”
Middle Indo-Aryan
Prakrit
rakkhā
“protection, safety”
Modern Hindi
Hindi
rākhī
“the protective thread tied during Raksha Bandhan”
Modern English
English
rakhi
“the ceremonial thread associated with Raksha Bandhan”