Raksha Bandhan is observed on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana , which typically falls in August. [23] On this day, sisters of all ages tie a cotton bracelet or amulet, called the rakhi , [3] around the wrists of their brothers, ritually affirming the bond and support of her brothers, receiving a gift from them in return, and traditionally investing the brothers with a share of the responsibility of their potential care. [24] The expression "Raksha Bandhan," Sanskrit , literally, "the bond of protection, obligation, or care," is now principally applied to this ritual. It has also applied to a similar ritual in which a domestic priest ties string bracelets on the wrists of his patrons and receives gifts of money. [16] [25] A ritual associated with Saluno includes the sisters placing shoots of barley behind the ears of their brothers. [13] Of special significance to married women, Raksha Bandhan is rooted in the practice of terri