Raksha Bandhan
/ˌrʌkʃə bənˈdɑːn/noun
A Hindu festival in which sisters traditionally tie a protective thread around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing affection, protection, and mutual obligation.
Did you know?The ritual thread is called a rakhi, and the ceremony’s symbolism extends beyond biology to friendship, community, and sacred protection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhendh-
“To bind, tie, or fasten; the ancient root behind the second element.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣā
“Protection, safeguarding, or defense.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
bandhana
“A binding, bond, or act of tying, from bandh- “to bind.””
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
rakṣābandhana
“A protective binding or protective bond.”
Medieval and Modern North Indian languages
Hindi and related languages
rākṣābandhan / rākhi
“The festival of the protective bond and the thread tied during its observance.”
Modern English
English
Raksha Bandhan
“The Hindu festival celebrating sibling affection, protection, and reciprocal duties.”