India, Aug. 24 -- Raksha Bandhan is often identified to just one familiar ritual and that is a sister ties a rakhi, a brother promises protection, and both exchange gifts, but the actual festival carries a much wider story. The sacred thread appears in stories of protection, loyalty, friendship, sacrifice and even social unity across Hindu mythology.

From Indra and Sachi to Krishna and Draupadi, and from Rani Karnavati and Humayun to Rabindranath Tagore's 1905 Rakhi movement, these accounts show how the meaning of Rakhi has evolved far beyond a simple sibling ceremony.

Raksha Bandhan Story: 10 Raksha Bandhan Stories You Should Know Apart Rani Lakshmibai

The following stories come from popular Hindu traditions, epic narratives and histo...