Raksha Bandhan is an ancient tradition. Indra (the king of the gods) was feeling depressed.
At that time Indra’s wife Sachi took a thread, charged it with sacred verses or Mantras
for protection and tied it on Indra’s hand. Through the strength of this thread Indra
conquered his enemies. Since then this festival has been celebrated.

Through time Raksha Bandhan has taken on another tradition. Raksha Bandhan is also
known as Rakhi. Rakhi has become a sacred festival for sisters and brothers. Sisters tie rakhis
or the sacred thread on their brother's arm and it is a symbol of love between them. It is
a symbol to strengthen ties between them and the sister putting her faith in her brother
to forever look after her.

Nowadays Rakhis are decorated with soft silky threads of various colours, and also with
ornaments, pictures, gold and silver threads etc. Many artists now create custom rakhis and
they can range from under 10cents to over $20.