Parsee New Year

RAKSHA BANDHAN

August - September

Raksha Bandhan, literally bond of protection, marks the day when the wife of lord Indra tied a silk amulet on his wrist to protect him from harm when he went to fight the demons. The day celebrates the bond between brother and sister. The sister says special prayers and ties coloured threads called rakhi around the wrists of her brothers to remind them of the special bond and their role as protectors of the family. He in turn gives a gift which is a promise that he will protect his sisters from any harm. Brahmins change their sacred thread(janoi) on this day and dedicate themselves once again to the study of the scriptures.Along the coast, fishing communities celebrate Narial pooja on this day.