Raksha Bandhan – Celebrate the Sacred Bond of Siblings!

Last Updated on Jul 28th, 2025 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

Raksha Bandhan is also known as Rakhi. This is one of the most cherished festivals in India that celebrates the beautiful bond between brothers & sisters. 

If you’re living in the USA & want to experience this heartfelt festival or reunite with your family in India, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know about Raksha Bandhan.

From its significance, rituals, auspicious timings, & tips for celebrating, to how you can plan your trip with our exclusive flights from the USA to India & holiday packages tailored for US travelers.

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What is Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan means “the bond of protection.” It is a traditional Hindu festival where sisters tie a sacred thread called Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists. 

This thread symbolizes love, protection, & a lifelong promise of care. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters and vow to protect them.

Although deeply rooted in Indian culture, Raksha Bandhan is now celebrated worldwide, including in the US, especially by the Indian diaspora who want to keep their cultural traditions alive.

What is The History Of Raksha Bandhan? 

Raksha Bandhan isn’t just about tying a rakhi – it carries centuries of tradition & love. The festival dates back to ancient times. 

One popular story is from the Mahabharata, where Draupadi tied a strip of cloth around Lord Krishna’s wrist, & in return, he promised to protect her forever. 

Another famous tale speaks of Queen Karnavati of Mewar sending a rakhi to Emperor Humayun, asking for help during a war – and he came to her aid, honoring the bond.

These stories show that Raksha Bandhan is more than a ritual – it’s a promise of love, care, & lifelong protection. No matter where you are in the world, this bond remains timeless.

When is Raksha Bandhan 2025?

In 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Monday, August 18th. 

The date changes every year based on the lunar calendar, as the festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravana.

Auspicious Time (Muhurat) for Rakhi Tying in 2025

• Start Time: Around 07:15 AM
• End Time: Approximately 04:30 PM

It is considered auspicious to tie the Rakhi within this window for maximum blessings & positive energy.

How is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?

The festival involves various customs & rituals, but the core celebration centers around the sister tying the Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, performing an Aarti (prayer ritual), & applying a tilak (sacred mark). 

After this, brothers give gifts or money to their sisters.

Many families also include feasting, singing traditional songs, exchanging sweets, & wearing new clothes. 

In recent years, Raksha Bandhan has also extended beyond blood relations, symbolizing a bond of friendship & protection between close friends.

Unique Raksha Bandhan Traditions!

• Rakhi Crafting – Sisters often choose from a variety of colorful Rakhis, including traditional threads, beaded designs, or even fancy bracelets.
• Special Prayers – Many families visit temples or perform special pujas (prayers) at home to seek blessings for the sibling’s well-being.
• Gifts and Sweets – Brothers gift their sisters with clothes, jewelry, gadgets, or money, and families enjoy sweets like Ladoo, Barfi, and Kaju Katli.

Best Gifts for Raksha Bandhan! 

• Personalized gifts – Custom mugs, photo frames, or name-engraved jewelry.
• Skincare or beauty kits – A thoughtful way to pamper her.
• Scented candles or perfumes – Perfect for sisters who love self-care.
• Handbags or accessories – Stylish and always appreciated.
• Books or journals – Great for sisters who love reading or writing.
• Handmade hampers – Filled with chocolates, snacks, or her favorite treats.
• Surprise cake or gift delivery – A sweet gesture if you’re far away.

Extend the Celebration with a Thoughtful Gift!

This Raksha Bandhan, go beyond just sweets & gifts – why not surprise your sister with something truly special? A relaxing Goa holiday package or a peaceful Kerala tour could be the perfect way to say thank you for everything she does.

If she’s into history or culture, a Maharashtra tour package might just make her day. Or, for a sister who loves beaches & nature, gift her the magic of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

Many brothers flying in from the USA can turn their Rakhi trip into a memorable vacation, & gifting a travel experience is one of the most thoughtful ways to celebrate your bond.

Traveling From USA to India for Raksha Bandhan? 

Booking your flights early can make a world of difference. 

Major US airports like New York’s JFK, Chicago O’Hare, & San Francisco International, offer direct & connecting flights to key Indian cities.

Routes like New York to Delhi, Chicago to Bangalore, San Francisco to Chennai, Dallas to Chennai, Houston to Delhi, & New York to Mumbai are among the most popular. 

Knowing these options helps you pick flights that align with your schedule, so you arrive relaxed & ready to celebrate.

Conclusion 

Raksha Bandhan is more than a festival – it’s a celebration of the timeless bond between brothers & sisters. If near or far, this day brings hearts closer, reminding us that love & protection transcend all distances.

If you’re tying a Rakhi or receiving one, know that you’re part of a beautiful tradition that has been treasured for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do we celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

A: The celebration is rooted in history and emotions. The Raksha Bandhan festival honors the promise of love, care, and lifelong protection. About Raksha Bandhan, it is said to have originated from ancient stories like that of Lord Krishna and Draupadi. So, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated to cherish this unbreakable sibling bond.

Q: Is Raksha Bandhan a National Holiday?

A: While Raksha Bandhan is a major festival, it is not a national holiday across India. However, in some states, it may be observed as a public or bank holiday, depending on local government rules. So, if you’re wondering, ‘Is Raksha Bandhan a bank holiday

Q: When is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?

A: The festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravana.

Q: Who started Raksha Bandhan?

A: There’s no single origin. But stories from Raksha Bandhan history point to legends like the one where Queen Karnavati sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun seeking protection. Another well-known story is about Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna.

Q: Do Muslims Celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

A: The festival is rooted in Hindu tradition. Many people from different communities join in the celebration as a way to express sibling love. It depends on personal beliefs & family traditions.