History and Origins
This festival has a historical tie to the practice of sending rakhi as a political alliance or plea for protection.
What is Rakshabandhan?
Sisters apply this mark on their brothers’ foreheads before tying the rakhi.
What is a tilak?
In the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, this actress ties a rakhi to her on-screen brother Hrithik Roshan.
Who is Kareena Kapoor?
he Hindi word “raksha” means this in English.
What is protection?
In Gujarat, Rakshabandhan coincides with this festival dedicated to Lord Krishna.
What is Janmashtami?
This ancient Sanskrit epic mentions Draupadi tying a strip of cloth to Krishna’s wrist, often linked to Rakshabandhan’s origin.
What is the Mahabharata?
The traditional rakhi thread is often tied on this hand.
What is the right wrist?
This 1974 Bollywood film popularized the song “Bhaiya mere rakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana.”
What is Chhoti Behan?
Astronauts aboard this space station once received rakhis from school children in India.
What is the International Space Station?
In West Bengal and Odisha, Rakshabandhan is also observed as this festival honoring Lord Vishnu.
What is Jhulan Purnima?
This Mughal emperor is believed to have received a rakhi from Rani Karnavati of Mewar.
Who is Humayun?
This sweet, often made of milk solids and sugar, is commonly exchanged on Rakshabandhan
What is barfi (or laddoo)?
This actor played the doting brother in Resham Ki Dori (1974).
Who is Dharmendra?
This jewelry-like version of the rakhi is sometimes made with gold and precious stones.
What is a designer rakhi?
In Maharashtra, fishermen celebrate Rakshabandhan as this festival marking the start of the fishing season.
What is Narali Purnima?
In this region of India, Rakshabandhan is also celebrated as “Kajari Purnima” by farmers.
What is Madhya Pradesh (or parts of Central India)?
Many families start the Rakshabandhan ceremony with this sacred ritual of fire or lamp.
What is an aarti?
In Hare Rama Hare Krishna, this actress tied a rakhi to Dev Anand on-screen.
Who is Zeenat Aman?
In 2019, this Indian state set a record for the world’s longest rakhi — over 1,200 meters long!
What is Uttarakhand?
In Himachal Pradesh, Rakshabandhan is part of this local fair or mela.
What is Minjar Mela?
Rakshabandhan is usually celebrated in this Hindu month.
What is Shravana?
In some communities, this grain is tied into the rakhi for blessings of prosperity.
What is rice (akshat)?
This real-life Bollywood sibling duo is famous for posting Rakhi photos every year — she’s a choreographer, he’s a director.
Who are Farah Khan and Sajid Khan?
This eco-friendly rakhi type grows into a plant after being tied.
What is a seed rakhi?
This northeastern state celebrates Rakshabandhan as a bond between communities, not just siblings.
What is Tripura?