Wednesday was Rakhi (“Bond”), the short name for Raksha Bandhan (“Bond of Protection”), the Hindu festival for sisters and brothers. Think of it as “Sisters & Brothers Day.”
Traditionally there is a simple ceremony in which the sister ties a special bracelet called a rakhi (“bond”) around her brother’s wrist and reaffirms her love and good-will towards, her brother presents her with a gift (usually cash) and reaffirms his lifelong vow to protect her and keep her safe, and they eat sweets.
Here is what a rakhi looks like, from the wrist of a generous coworker:
Pretty, right? This one is on the more ornate side, but it doesn’t have to be; a rakhi can be as simple as a piece of thread.
I think this is a very sweet holiday.
I’m not a Hindu, and I didn’t do any special ceremony, but I did observe it in my own way by hopping on a Skype call with my sister for about two hours.
PS — Here is more about Raksha Bandhan, including a possible feminist critique, and a possible response to that critique.
PPS — In case you forgot that India is really many different countries, check out this list of ways that Rakhi is observed in different parts of India (and beyond).