Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between siblings and families, often called Brother and Sister Day. It is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar in the month of Shravana, which typically falls in the August month of the Gregorian calendar. The term Raksha Bandhan means "bond of protection" and comes from the Sanskrit word rakhi, a type of bracelet or amulet made out of thread, that sisters tie around their brothers wrists in gratitude for protecting them. The festival is made up of two words, namely "Raksha" and "Bandhan." As per the Sanskrit terminology, the occasion means "the tie or knot of protection" where "Raksha" stands for the protection and "Bandhan" signifies the verb to tie.

On this day, sisters of all ages tie a talisman or amulet called the rakhi around the wrists of their brothers, symbolizing the brothers oath to protect his sister throughout her life, and the sisters prayers and blessings for protection and wellbeing of her brother. In exchange, the brothers give their sisters gifts, signifying their acceptance of this duty. The festival is not limited to blood siblings and is also celebrated among cousins, sister and sister-in-law (Bhabhi), fraternal aunt (Bua) and nephew (Bhatija) and other such relations.

Raksha Bandhan has many different origin stories throughout Hindu tradition, with one of the most widely known accounts found in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. The festival is ultimately a message of the universal brotherhood and sisterhood that can be recognized amongst all people. The sentiments expressed through Raksha Bandhan are about cultivating a consciousness of appreciation for the relationships that bind us together.