Rakshabandhan

The poonam of the Shravan month is celebrated as Rakshabandhan, meaning the 'tying of protection'.

In ancient times, decorative threads were charged with spells and mantras and tied on the wrists of one's beloved for protection. A wife would tie such a thread on the wrist of her husband. If a woman tied such a string, it would become the man's duty to protect her, even by risking his own life.

This ritual has evolved to become a sacred festival for brothers and sisters. A sister ties a rakhdi on her brother's right wrist whilst chanting the supreme 'Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa' mantra. By this, she asks the Lord to protect the both of them. The sister expresses the good wishes of unity between the siblings.

On this day, we also offer a rakhadi to the Lord, who may return this as prasad. Here, we are asking the merciful Lord to protect the brother and sister from any bad influences, so that we remain to be good devotees by doing as the Lord wishes and following His commands.