Mangalore: Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi badges tying bond ceremony at home takes place on Saturday Aug.13, when sisters tie colourful Rakhi(Protection) badges round the wrists of the elder brothers only, or wives on the arms of their husbands only, and seek physical protection and in return the brothers / husbands offer presents/ money to the female members of the house with a promise to them in emergency.
This is purely a North Indian or Maharashtrian custom (like coconut day) practiced from Moghul times in 16th century when a Rajput queen sent Rakhis to King Akbar in Delhi to protect her against his marauding armies.
When Lord Krishna was injured, Draupadi is said to have tied Rakhi bonds on the wounds to prevent blood flows in a war. Sisters offer sweets to brothers these days along with Rakhi bonds. Sellers of Rakhis have a field day.