Has Rakhi Changed… or Have Relationships?

✍️ Mohit Dhawan

Technology has reduced distances, but has it increased the time we give to our relationships?

Date: 27 August 2026

As Raksha Bandhan approaches, countless old memories come alive. A sister choosing her Rakhi days in advance, sweets arriving at home, a brother saving money for the traditional shagun, and that familiar teasing while tying the Rakhi—“Is that all?”

That time may not be too far behind us, but the way we live our lives and nurture relationships has certainly changed.

The story of Rakhi, however, is not limited to the bond between a brother and sister. In Indian tradition, the idea of a Raksha-Sutra, or sacred thread of protection, is considered very old. Ancient Hindu traditions include the story of Indrani tying a protective thread around Indra’s wrist. The story of Krishna and Draupadi is also deeply popular in Indian culture, although it is not considered a documented historical origin of the modern Raksha Bandhan festival.

Rakhi also has a beautiful connection with our religious traditions. In many temples and homes across India, people offer Rakhis to their deities during Raksha Bandhan. The tradition of offering a Rakhi to Lord Krishna can also be seen today. Here, the Rakhi is not merely a request for protection; it becomes an expression of love, faith and devotion between the devotee and the divine.

History and popular folklore also carry the well-known story of Rani Karnavati of Mewar and Mughal emperor Humayun. However, historians do not agree on all the details of this account.

Over different periods, therefore, this little thread has acquired different meanings—sometimes a promise of protection, sometimes a symbol of sibling affection, and sometimes an expression of devotion towards God.

But now, this little thread has entered the digital age.

Today, you don’t necessarily need to visit a market to buy a Rakhi. Choose one on your phone and it can reach a brother hundreds of kilometres away. There is no need to put shagun money in an envelope either—there is UPI. If a brother or sister is living abroad, the festival can be celebrated through a video call.

Technology has certainly reduced distances.

But it raises an important question—Has Rakhi changed, or have our relationships changed too?

There was a time when brothers and sisters grew up under the same roof. They fought, complained, argued and, after a while, sat together again as if nothing had happened.

Then came education, jobs, marriage and responsibilities. Their paths began to move in different directions. Those who once spent the entire day together may now go weeks without having a proper conversation.

Writing “How are you?” on WhatsApp is easy. Sitting down and talking for half an hour is perhaps more difficult. Gifts arrive online and money can be transferred with a single click.

Everything has become easier—except perhaps the time we give to one another.

Yet, it would be unfair to say that relationships have lost their warmth. Perhaps their roles have simply evolved.

Traditionally, Rakhi was largely associated with a brother’s promise to protect his sister. Today, a sister is equally independent and, when life gets difficult, she may herself become one of her brother’s strongest pillars.

So perhaps the meaning of Rakhi should not remain limited to “I will protect you.”

It can also be a promise between two people:

“No matter how far life takes us, when you need me, I will be there for you.”

The Rakhi thread itself is not very strong. Pull it a little and it can break. Yet, for centuries, it has remained a symbol of strong relationships.

Because strength does not lie in the thread—
it lies in the emotion with which it is tied.

This Raksha Bandhan, along with an expensive Rakhi or a special gift, give your loved ones something even more valuable—your time.

Remember the old stories. Share a laugh. Let go of an old complaint.

Because technology can deliver Rakhis, money and greetings—

but warmth in a relationship still has to be delivered by a human being.

And perhaps then we will find the answer to the question—

Has Rakhi Changed… or Have Relationships?

Wishing you all a very Happy Raksha Bandhan.