'Raksha' means protection and 'Bandhan' means bond. Thus 'Raksha Bandhan' means the 'Bond of Protection'. On this day, Sisters tie a special band on their brothers' wrist as a mark of affection. This thread is called the 'Rakhi'. The brothers in return take a lifelong vow to protect their sisters. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers and sisters reaffirm their pious bonds of affection.