10 Untold Raksha Bandhan Stories to Read in 2025

Raksha Bandhan is more than just a festival—it's a heartfelt celebration of the unbreakable bond between siblings, marked by the simple yet powerful act of tying a rakhi. This tradition, rooted in love, protection, and togetherness, has been cherished for centuries and carries deep significance in Indian culture. But what truly brings the spirit of Raksha Bandhan alive are the timeless Raksha Bandhan stories passed down through generations. These tales not only add magic to the festival but also help us understand its depth, values, and rich history. Dive into our collection of 10 fascinating stories for Rakhi 2025 and rediscover the festival like never before. 

Stories Associated with Rakhi

The various lesser-known Raksha Bandhan stories that you should know are: 

1. Indrani tying a rakhi to her husband Indra

In Hindu mythology, it's believed that the first rakhi was tied to a husband and not a brother. Indra's wife Sachi, consulted Lord Krishna during a war between the gods & demons. He gave her a holy cotton bracelet to tie around Lord Indra's wrist to protect him from all evil. The story proves the power of the holy thread and that the festival is not exclusive to a brother-sister bond. This is one of the inspiring Rakhi stories from Indian mythology that highlights the deeper significance and protective power of Raksha Bandhan beyond traditional relationships.

2. Yamuna tying a rakhi to her brother Yama

Yamuna, Yama's sister, was sad when her brother didn't visit her for around 12 years. On a gentle reminder by Ganga, when Yama decided to visit his sister, she was so happy that she prepared a grand meal for him and tied a rakhi on his wrist. Yama, moved by his sister's love, blessed her with immortality. This narrative is a shining example of emotional Raksha Bandhan stories, reflecting the enduring love and care that define sibling relationships.

3. Lord Krishna promising to protect Draupadi

According to the Mahabharata, one time when Lord Krishna was flying a kite, he cut his finger. Seeing this, Draupadi immediately tore a piece of cloth from her saree and tied it around his finger. Touched by her action, he promised to protect her. As we all know, he came through with that promise when her husbands lost in a gamble in King Dhritrashtra’s court. Through their actions, the Krishna and Draupadi Rakhi story's meaning reveals how true devotion and protection define the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

4. Goddess Laxmi tying the sacred thread to Lord Bali

According to Vishnu Purana, Bali, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, asked him for protection. Lord Vishnu accepted his request and stayed with him in disguise as a doorman. Back home, Goddess Laxmi, his wife, missed him and went to Bali in disguise as a woman seeking shelter. When Bali opened his doors to her, she returned the favor by tying a colored cotton thread on his wrist for his protection. When Bali asked her what she wanted as a gift in return, Laxmi asked to grant leave to her husband, who now revealed his identity. As Laxmi was now his sister, and he had made the promise to grant her wish, he agreed. This is one of the prominent mythological stories behind Raksha Bandhan, reflecting the deep-rooted promise of love and lifelong protection between brothers and sisters.

5. The birth of Santoshi Ma

Among the fascinating Indian festival stories for Raksha Bandhan is the tale of Mansa tying a rakhi to her brother Ganesha. Witnessing this, Ganesha’s sons, Shubh and Labh, wished to celebrate the festival too and requested a sister. Granting their wish, Lord Ganesha created a daughter from fire. Thus, Santoshi Ma was born, enriching the tradition of Raksha Bandhan.

6. Lord Krishna advises Kig Yudhishthira to tie a rakhi

Before the war of Kurukshetra, King Yudhishthira was worried about his brothers, the Pandavas. He sought Lord Krishna's advice on how to protect all his brothers from the impending doom. Lord Krishna advised him to perform a ceremony, where on the full moon day of the month Shravana, a priest will tie a rakhi around his right wrist for protection. This ritual, rooted in ancient tradition, is just one among many untold Rakhi legends to read in 2025 that highlight the festival’s deep cultural significance. 

7. Roxana saved her husband's life by sending a rakhi

Among the real Raksha Bandhan stories in history, one stands out from the battle of Hydaspes. Roxana, Alexander’s wife, sent a rakhi to Porus, requesting him not to harm Alexander. On the battlefield, seeing the rakhi on his wrist, Porus honored her plea and refrained from attacking Alexander. Though Porus lost, he earned Alexander’s respect, who appointed him governor and granted him more land.

8. Queen Karnavati sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun

When Rani Karnavati of Chittor was ruling her kingdom, it was attacked by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. The Queen was looking for support from other kingdoms. She sent a rakhi and requested protection from Humayun, who himself was in the middle of a battle. On receiving the letter, Humayun left everything and went to Mewar. Sadly, he arrived too late, and the Rajput family was defeated. According to the custom, Rani Karnavati performed Jauhar to save her dignity. But true to his promise, Humayun later defeated Bahadur Shah Zafar and restored the kingdom to her eldest son, Vikramjeet. This tale remains one of the most emotional Raksha Bandhan stories, highlighting the deep bond and sense of duty the festival represents.

9. Maharani Jindan sought refuge in Nepal

One of the inspiring Raksha Bandhan stories with a moral is about Maharani Jindan, wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. When the Sikh Empire fell to the British in 1849, she sent a rakhi to Jung Bahadur, the ruler of Nepal, seeking protection. Honoring the sacred bond, Jung Bahadur gave her refuge and safeguarded her. This story teaches that the spirit of Raksha Bandhan goes beyond blood relations, highlighting the values of trust, compassion, and fulfilling promises.

10. Rabindranath Tagore started the Rakhi Mohotsav in Bengal

The Raksha Bandhan history is deeply connected with the Partition of Bengal in 1905. During the partition, Rabindranath Tagore started Rakhi Mohotsav to strengthen the bond between Hindus & Muslims of Bengal. He encouraged them to support each other and protest against the Britishers together. Continuing that tradition, the people of West Bengal tie a rakhi to their neighbors and close friends. It is a symbol of love, mutual respect, and brotherhood.

Conclusion

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the tradition of Raksha Bandhan started, but we can be sure of one thing - it is about the strong bond between the people observing the ceremony. Rakhi can be celebrated among siblings, partners, or even neighbors. Although nowadays, we primarily celebrate it as the bond between siblings and their promise to protect and support each other.

If you are celebrating Rakhi and want to tie the best Rakhi to your brother or sister, check out our specially curated Rakhi collection. We not only have the most unique rakhis online, but we also provide great delivery service. So even if you cannot be with your sibling this Rakhi, we won't let them feel your absence. Send us a message, and we will include a sweet handwritten note with your parcel. If you're looking for rakhi gifts for sister, we have a special collection for that too. Browse bigsmall.in for more quirky gifts this Rakhi season.

FAQs

What is the unique way of celebrating Rakhi?

On Rakhi, sisters apply tikka on their brother's forehead, give them sweets, and tie a Rakhi around their wrist for protection and pray for their well-being.

When was the first Rakhi tied?

In Hindu mythology, it's believed that the first Rakhi was tied by Sachi. She tied a sacred thread given to her by Lord Krishna around her husband, Lord Indra's wrist, for his protection.

What is the reason for tying the Rakhi on the right hand?

Rakhi is tied on the right hand as it is believed that the clockwise direction is in order with the universe. It moves from right to left, and is used for all good rituals.

Is Raksha Bandhan only for brothers and sisters?

No, Raksha Bandhan is not only for brothers and sisters; it is a gender-neutral festival that celebrates bonds of protection and affection among various relationships, including friends and community members.

Are there any real-life stories related to Rakhi?

Yes, real-life stories such as Rani Karnavati sending a rakhi to Emperor Humayun for protection, Roxana sending a rakhi to Porus to spare Alexander’s life are part of Raksha Bandhan’s rich history and legends. 

How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated in 2025?

In 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9, with families gathering to tie rakhis, exchange gifts, and share sweets, especially during the auspicious time from 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM.

What is the significance of Raksha Bandhan in different regions of India?

Raksha Bandhan’s significance varies across India, with South India focusing on religious rituals like Avani Avittam, Central India emphasizing community bonds, and other regions celebrating sibling and communal protection with unique local customs. 

Have a safe and happy holiday!