Today is a Hindu festival known as Raksha Bandhan (or Rakhi) that is celebrated between brothers and sisters. I looked up the history of the festival, and this is what I found on www.iloveindia.com:
In the Vedic period, on a 'Shravan Poornima' day (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), the deities and the demons were fighting a battle against each other. Unfortunately the demons were in a stronger position as compared to the deities. The king of the deities, Lord Indra, was very much worried about the result of the battle. His wife Indrani (also known as Shashikala) could not see him worried and prayed to the almighty. Indrani was a religious lady so she prepared a Talisman with her religious power and tied it around Indra's right wrist. She believed that this Talisman will safeguard Indra from the attack made by the demons. She was actually right about her belief as that day the deities won the battle and Lord Indra escaped unhurt. As this Talisman had the power of protecting the one who holds it therefore it was called 'Raksha Sutra' and the ceremony of tying the Talisman was called 'Raksha Bandhan'. And since this ceremony took place on 'Shravan Poornima' day therefore it has become a tradition to celebrate 'Raksha Bandhan' on the 'Shravan Poornima' day every year.
So, every year this is celebrated by brothers and sisters tying a bracelet around each other's wrist in order to symbolize that they will protect each other. Then, two months later, there is another festival where the bracelets are removed. During both festivals there is also lots of food and family time as with any other holiday; it sounds so fun!
I think it's such a sweet idea and wish that my brother was here to celebrate with me! So, especially today, I miss you Michael!
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