Rakhi :

Rakhi as it is popularly called. The sister ties a thread to her brother who in turn givesa gift,money.Inthesecommercialized times the thread has given way to Jumbo, fancy, loud Rakhis.By tying a Rakhi to a man, the women is making him responsible for her safety. Its a commitment from a brother that he would take hercare of her, financially, emotionally etc. he word Raksha has a historical perspective to it. My mind goes back to 1303 when Alauddin Khilji, the Turk Afghan Delhi ruler invaded Chittorgarh ( in Rajasthan ).Rani Padmini, the King's wife sent out Rakhis to the Kings of neighboring states. By doing so she implied their sister was in danger and they should rush their forces to protect her. This could be one of the reason for the festivals popularity.
This festival is more popular in the North. Since most of India 's battle with foreign invaders be it Alexander or the Muslims were fought in the North, Raksha or security of women folk was needed more in the North than else where. Rape of women, inevitably followed every military loss. The festival indicates that women were treated with respect in those times.Raksha Bhandan is celebrated on the fullmoon day in the month of Sravana (July-August). In North India, the occasion is popularly called Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi, the tying of an amulet.On this day, sisters tie an amulet, the Rakhi, around the right wrist of their brothers praying fortheir long life and happiness. Raksha means protection, and in some places in medieval India,where women felt unsafe, they tied Rakhi round the wrists of men they could countupon, regarding them as brothers. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is similar to Karthikay in Kartika (October-November) in South India .