Can I Tie Rakhi to My Husband/Boyfriend? Here's What the History and Tradition Says

Rakshabandhan 2023: We all grew up listening to the legends of Rakshabandhan and Bhai Dooj, both of which were taught to us as symbols of love and bonding between siblings, specifically brothers and sisters. While Bhai Dooj, which falls just after Diwali, is undoubtedly a brother-and-sister day, the dynamics for Rakshabandhan have always been quite confusing.

The changing dynamics of relationships and the understanding of Rakhi have led to some women considering tying Rakhis to their husbands, boyfriends and even fathers. This gesture can be seen as an extension of the bond of love and care. While some may criticize these ideologies, it's not modern women or the current time that started this ritual; it has been happening since the age-old history of Hinduism. How? Here's the answer.

Can a couple tie rakhi to each other, what does a legend say

Out of many Rakshabandhan stories including that of Krishna-Draupadi, Yama-Yamuna, and King Bali-Goddess Laxmi, two of the stories direct toward a clearer understanding of these ideologies. 

Indra and Indrani- Raksha Bandhan, as it turns out, served a purpose beyond signifying sibling love, as evidenced by the story of Indra and Indrani. Indra's wife, Indrani, prayed for divine help during a conflict between gods and demons in which Indra found himself on the losing side against King Bali. She prayed to Lord Vishnu for help, and he granted her a holy thread, which she wrapped around Indra's wrist. Empowered by this thread, Indra emerged victorious.

Queen Kunti and Abhimanyu:  This is yet another legend that states that Rakshabandhan is not just limited to sibling bonds. According to legend, Queen Kunti protected her grandson Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra and Arjun, by tying a sacred thread around his wrist during the Mahabharata fight.

 Can a wife tie Rakhi to her husband?

The answer is Yes. There is a famous Sanskrit quote for the same ‘येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबल:। तेन त्वां अभिबद्धनामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल।। ‘ 

The quote translates to: “I'm using the same protective thread (Rakhi) that was used to tie the generous King Bali. This thread, like a shield, should stay in place and not move.”

In simple words- A priest can tie a rakhi to the king, a Brahmin to a friend, a sister to a sibling, a mother to a son, and a wife to her spouse.

Why tie Rakhi to your Father/Husband/boyfriend?

The rakhi represents commitment, love, and protection. To show her husband how much she loves and cares for him and to reaffirm her dedication to their marriage, a wife can tie a rakhi around his wrist. The question of whether or not a wife can tie a rakhi to her husband has no right or wrong response. In the end, it is up to the person to determine what they think Raksha Bandhan means and how they want to observe it.