Celebration Significance (Why)
Raksha bandhan (aka Rakhi festival) is the fun festival that celebrates the love between sisters and brothers. Putting it in terms of western philosophy, this will be the ‘Sister’s Day’ and ‘Brother’s Day’ of Hindu religion.
Hindu scriptures such as Bhagavata Puran, Vishnu Puran, Bhavishya Puran etc have the mention of celebrating Raksha Bandhan since time immemorial. In Mahabharata, Draupati tied cloth (by tearing her saree) to cover a wound of Sri Krishna. Sisters pray to brothers that in the time of need, you protect me from problems like Sri Krishna rescued Draupati from Dushasan, who brought her in rajsabha (court) and tried to remove her saree.
Celebrated on (When)
Rakhsa Bandhan (aka Rakhi festival) is celebrated on Puranmasi i.e. full moon of Shravan month of Hindu calendar. Shravan month is fifth month of Hindu Calendar, which usually comes in August.
Celebration Practice (How)
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters visits their brother’s home and collect roli(kumkum – either made from turmeric or saffron), chawal (rice), mithai (sweets) etc in a thali (plate).
Haryali Teej festival is celebrated on tritia i.e third day in shukl paksh of Shravan month of hindu calander. (Shravan month is fifth month of Hindu calendar which comes in August)
Haryali Teej is primarily a festival of ladies. During shravan, greenery spreads all over due monsoon. After hot summer, the weather becomes very pleasant and brings joy and festive spirit. Ladies of all ages gather in group and enjoy the festive spirit by swinging on the swings and singing songs. They decorate hands with henna (mehandi) with beautiful designs.
In Rajasthan, eastern UP and other northern states of India, gifts, sweets etc called Sindhara are sent by in-laws to their daughters.