Raksha Bandhan 2016
Raksha Bandhan 2016Reuters

The sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan also known as Rakhi Purnima or Rakhi, which is celebrated to express the bond between brothers and sisters, is being observed on Thursday, Aug.18 this year. It falls on the full moon day of the Shravan month as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

How is Rakhi celebrated?

As part of the ancient Hindu festival, sisters tie a thread (rakhi) on the wrist of brothers to show their love towards them. Sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers, who then make a promise to protect them from all evils. The festival is also celebrated by exchanging gifts.

What is the significance of Raksha Bandan?

Rakhi is mainly celebrated in India by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. In Sanskrit, Raksha Bandhan means "the tie of protection" and it is not only celebrated among blood relations, but also by thos who share a brother-sister bond. Read more HERE

Check Rakhi special songs

Check out quotes, wishes, messages and greetings to be shared on Raksha Bandhan here:

There's nobody in the world that knows me better than my sister. — Tia Mowry, actress.

Sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. — Margaret Mead, anthropologist.

We all have competitive relationships with our siblings. — John Benjamin Hickey, actor.

Sometimes siblings can get in each other's space. — Gisele Bundchen, model.

Having lots of siblings is like having built-in best friends. — Kim Kardashian, actress.

My sister has been there for me through everything. — Brad Goreski, TV personality.

I have a wonderful shelter, which is my family. I have a wonderful relationship with my brother and sister; this makes me feel that I know always where I belong. — Jose Carreras, tenor.

Nothing can stop me from loving my brother. — Brandy Norwood, singer.

I know we fight every day. I know you become sad at times. On this Raksha Bandhan day, I promise you that I will continue doing so no matter what happens. Have a great day sister/brother.

You are the greatest gift our father and mother gave me. You will always be my cute little sister/brother. Happy Raksha Bandhan 2016.

When Mom and Dad told me I will get a baby to play with after 9 months, I was super excited and was eagerly waiting for your arrival. When I saw you for the first time, I felt that was the happiest day in my life. And I still love to spend every seconds with you my dear brother/sister. Happy Raksha Bandhan 2016.

You are not just a sister/brother for me, you are the best friend I have with whom I share every secrets and happiness. I want you to be my right hand throughout our life. Happy Rakhi day my dear.

There isn't a single day that I remember when we had not fought. And you know what, I love you more than anything in this world. It is the love that helps us to fight each other every now and then. Don't worry, I will continue to fight with you everyday. Happy Raksha Bandhan to my dear brother/sister.

I might be rude at you, scolding you for all your mistakes.
Its not because I don't like you.
I might not express how much I love you.
But you are the best thing that happened in my life.
Happy Rakhi day.

I am so happy to have the world's best sister/brother as my best friend. You are the reason why I am able to remain happy everyday. Thank you my dear. Happy Raksha Bandhan wishes.

You always treat me like a friend, like a father/mother, like a teacher. You helped me to become a good person. Having a sister/brother like you is the greatest blessing I have. Happy Rakhi day 2016.