Every year on the auspicious day of Shravana Pournami (August 28, 2026), Bala Samskar Kendras celebrate Rakhi Pournami, or Raksha Bandhan, with great enthusiasm. Naturally, many people think this festival is simply about sisters tying a protective thread (Rakhi) on their brothers. But that is not true. This festival has deep meanings and rich stories behind it.
There is an ancient story about how Raksha Bandhan originally began:
Long ago, the Devas and the Asuras fought a fierce war for a long period (a Pushkara period). The Asura king, Bali Chakravarti, grew significantly stronger, while the king of the Devas, Lord Indra, suffered defeat and lost his power, forcing him to take refuge with his entourage in Amaravati. Seeing her husband Indra's helplessness, Indrani (Indra's wife) devised a clever plan. Learning that the demon king had surrounded and captured Amaravati, she inspired her husband Indra with renewed courage and enthusiasm to fight back. That very day was Shravana Pournami, and Sachi Devi (Indrani) worshipped Parvati-Parameshwara and Lakshmi-Narayana. She tied the sacred protective thread obtained from that worship to Indra's wrist. Noticing this, all the other devas also brought the protective threads they had worshipped and tied them on Indra. Empowered by the energy of that protective bond, Indra regained his courage, re-entered the battle, emerged victorious, and reclaimed his lordship over the three worlds. Our scriptures tell us that the Raksha Bandhan initiated by Sachi Devi became the Rakhi festival we celebrate today.

Another famous story highlights the festival's significance. During the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna once injured his finger in battle, causing it to bleed. Without a moment's hesitation, Draupadi tore a piece of her sari and tied it around Krishna's finger. Deeply touched by this small help, Lord Krishna told her, "Dear sister! I am forever indebted to this help you have rendered. No matter what trouble befalls you, I will protect you." Later, when the wicked Kauravas tried to humiliate Draupadi, Lord Krishna miraculously intervened, extending her sari endlessly to protect her honor. This incident stands as a timeless symbol of brothers standing by their sisters as pillars of support.
The core message behind all these stories is the same: a bond of protection rooted in love. On Rakhi Pournami, sisters tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) on the wrists of their brothers, or those who protect them, praying for their well-being. Brothers accept the Rakhi and pledge to always protect their sisters and stand by them. This is not merely tying a thread; it is a pledge of love, trust, and lifelong mutual support.
On this day, we should first place the threads we wish to tie before God and offer our prayers. Afterward, we should tie them not only to siblings, but also to our family members, friends, and neighbors, assuring them of our protection. While tying the protective thread, let us all together recite this verse:
"Naku Neevu Raksha, Neeku Nenu Raksha, Manamidharam Desaniki Dharmaniki Raksha, Manandariki Adhey SriRama Raksha"
(You are protection for me, I am protection for you, both of us are protection for our country and Dharma, and for all of us, that is Lord Rama's protection.)
Inspired by the spirit of this Raksha Bandhan, let us remain protective of one another, stand as guardians of our nation and Dharma, and receive the grace of the Almighty.
Key Message:
The festival of Rakhi Pournami / Raksha Bandhan reminds us of the profound love, protection, and responsibility shared between brothers and sisters. It teaches us the importance of supporting one another, helping in times of trouble, and sustaining our bond for a lifetime. Beyond family ties, it imparts the noble message that people in society should protect one another and, above all, stand as defenders of our nation and Dharma.
Teacher's Tasks:
Discussion after the story:
●    What is Rakhi Pournami or Raksha Bandhan? When do we celebrate this festival?
Answer: Rakhi Pournami is a festival that reminds us of love, protection, and responsibility. We celebrate it every year on Shravana Pournami.
●    In the story of Sachi Devi, who tied the Rakhi to whom? What happened because of it?
Answer: Sachi Devi tied the protective thread to Devendra (Indra). Because of it, Devendra regained his courage and won the battle.
●    How did Raksha Bandhan happen in the story of Draupadi and Lord Krishna? What help did Krishna give to Draupadi?
Answer: Draupadi tore a piece of her sari and tied it to Krishna's finger. Later, when Draupadi was in mortal danger, Lord Krishna protected her honor.
●    What do you understand through the message, "Naku Neevu Raksha, Neeku Nenu Raksha..."?
Answer: It shows that we must stand by each other and take responsibility for protecting our country and Dharma.
●    What does this festival teach us not just about family protection, but about our country and Dharma?
Answer: This festival teaches us that along with our family, we must also protect our country and Dharma while living together in unity.
Practical Tasks:
●    "My Protective Bond": Make a small Rakhi for your brother/sister (or a friend, or anyone who has stood by you). What would you like to tell them as you tie that Rakhi?
●    "Helping One Another": When someone in your family or among your friends is in trouble, how will you help them? How will you and your friends stand as protection for each other?
●    "Protection for Our Country": As young children, what can we do to protect our country and Dharma? (For example: Having respect for the country, honoring national symbols, being honest, and treating everyone kindly).
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