“Raksha Bandhan: Coloured Treads Promising Protection and Sweet Delights”, IndianNarrative, August 22, 2026.

“Rabindranath Tagore, the myriad-minded man, had, in the wake of the Partition of Bengal in 1905, launched a visionary campaign—a mass Raksha Bandhan—with Hindus and Muslims tying rakhis on each other’s wrists, taking a pledge to protect their brethren and not let the colonial masters succeed in dividing them by spreading communal strife. Almost a century and a quarter have passed, but the challenge persists painfully.

This isn’t the only instance when not women but men tied rakhis promising protection. According to folklore, Krishna once tied a thread on Draupadi’s wrist, promising protection from harm. (Another legend recounts how Radha, an aunt older than Krishna, had tied a rakhi on his wrist.)

Raksha Bandhan falls on a full moon day when orthodox Hindus change their sacred thread. This custom has created the misunderstanding that this is a festival primarily of Savarna Hindus. Nor should one jump to the conclusion that it reinforces a patriarchal mindset, with ‘strong’ brothers protecting ‘weak’ sisters from harm. In many regions of India, daughters tie a rakhi on a father’s, grandfather’s or uncle’s wrist.

And it’s not always sisters who sought out brothers to come to their rescue or wished for their safety. The legendary ruler of Kerala celebrated in myths, Mahabali, granted Laxmi’s wish for her consort Vishnu’s release from the bondage he had willingly accepted. According to this tale, Bali had requested Vishnu Bhagwan to act as dwarpaal (gatekeeper), protecting his realm. Impressed by his philanthropy, Vishnu agreed. His absence from Vaikunth made Laxmi disconsolate. That’s when she decided to tie a rakhi on Bali’s wrist and ask for a return gift. This incident is commemorated to this day in the mantra: Yen baddho Bali raja danvendro mahabali, ten twamham badhnami, rakshe machal machal! (I tie you with the same thread that bound the most powerful Bali, who surpassed all in generosity and compassion. May it provide you with steadfast protection!)…………………….”

Read the full article at IndianNarrative.