How strong is your bond with your sister? Can it be measured in numbers? It is unlikely. Yet a single silk thread that she ties to her brother’s wrist can symbolize all the love and affection that they share. That silk thread ties with love on the right wrist of the brother is a knot that can never be undone in their hearts. Raksha Bandhan is the day the sister ties this Rakhi to her brother. She asks for his everlasting love and protection through this symbol, and he agrees to honour this promise all his life.
 
Historically rakhis have been tied for as long as the Aryan Civilization has been around. That would make this tradition about 6000 years old. As the people change so do some traditions associated with the festivities. Yet the “ Puja Thali” or prayer plate must have the kumkum, the rakhi and a diya or lit lamp. Without these three the ceremony loses its charm. The “tinka” of grass and the ring of gold may also be placed in the puja thali. Then of course the brother must give the sister a gift for tying the rakhi.
 
The most wonderful actions have been taken by brothers bond by the promise of the Rakhi, and historically my favorite story comes from Rajasthan. Rani Karnavati was the wife of the King of Chittor. When the Sultan of Gujrat attacked Chittor and killed the King, Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun. There was no note and no message. Just the appeal of a sister through her Rakhi. The Emperor Humayun was so moved by this gesture of hers that he set off with his troops immediately to rescue his sister.  
 
While the times have changed and brothers are not needed to march with armies to help their sisters any more, the symbol still remains. That is why on Raksha Bandhan the brother must visit the sister to have his Rakhi tied. In newer age concepts, sisters are tying rakhis to sisters as well. Sisters even send Rakhis to cousins by post. Some brothers even tie a reciprocal rakhi to their sisters, but all these are new age and not traditional customs.