Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful festival of India which is globally celebrated with immense faith and enthusiasm. This festival is essentially celebrated between brothers and sisters. It is widely believed that the Rakhi thread can strengthen the eternal bond of love shared by siblings. It is celebrated by all Hindus and Hindu society across India.

The festival of Rakhi celebrates the natural bond of love and affection between a brother and a sister by means of holy Rakhi thread. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month 'Shravana'.

Rituals followed on Raksha Bandhan
The festival is celebrated with a set custom and tradition. On this day, People wake up early and take bath to purify their mind and soul. After worshipping God, sisters arranges the customary Rakhi Puja Thali consisting of Rakhi, Tika, Mithai, Diya besides other traditional puja items to carry out the ceremony. They perform aarti of their brothers and tie the sacred thread of rakhi on the wrist of brothers. While tying the holy thread, sisters prays to the divine for her brothers well being and happiness. In turn, Brothers pledge to protect sister from all hardships and dangers that may befall on her. Then sisters treat their brothers with delicious foods and sweets and brothers give them beautiful Rakhi gifts or cash. There is fun and a harmony during the festival of Rakhi as the family reunites on this day.

Various names associated with Rakhi
The auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated under different names and with different set of rituals all across the world. The North Indian celebrate this festival by the name 'Raksha Bandhan' and 'Rakhi Purnima'. On this day sisters tie a sacred thread of Rakhi on brother's wrist and pray for his long life. Brothers' bless their sister and present them gifts. In rest of India, this festival is known as 'Nariyal Purnima', 'Avani Avittam' and 'Balev'.

Narial Poornima: This is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mumbai. On the day of Nariyal Purnima, coconuts are thrown into the sea to propitiate the Sea God, Varuna, who is the chief object of worship on this occasion.

Avani Avittam: South India celebrates this festival by Avani Avittam. This is the time of "upakarmam" and is celebrated in various ways all over South India. It falls on the full-moon day of the month of Shravan (August-September). Rakhi forms an important Hindu festival in South India.

Balev: Balev is the name by which Rakhi is commonly known Balev. It has special significance among Brahmins as it is the day on which Brahmins change their sacred thread. It is believed that on On Shravan Sud, when the moon is in the constellation of Shravana, the Brahmins rededicate themselves to study the vedas and pursue spiritual upliftment.