Raksha Bandhan festival - in pictures

Every year, during the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi or a bracelet around the wrist of their brothers. EPA
Every year, during the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi or a bracelet around the wrist of their brothers. EPA
The ritual is meant to protect the brother from evil and cement the bond between a brother and sister. AFP
The ritual is meant to protect the brother from evil and cement the bond between a brother and sister. AFP
Raksha Bandhan literally translates to 'bond of protection'. AFP
Raksha Bandhan literally translates to 'bond of protection'. AFP
A shopkeeper arranges his display of rakhis in New Delhi. AFP
A shopkeeper arranges his display of rakhis in New Delhi. AFP
A customer checks rakhis at a shop. AFP
A customer checks rakhis at a shop. AFP
A shopkeeper waiting for customers. AFP
A shopkeeper waiting for customers. AFP
While the practice can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts, the festival has evolved over the years. AFP
While the practice can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts, the festival has evolved over the years. AFP
The ritual is not limited to siblings as cousins, friends and even colleagues tie rakhis. AFP
The ritual is not limited to siblings as cousins, friends and even colleagues tie rakhis. AFP
Women check out rakhis at a roadside stall in Mumbai. AFP
Women check out rakhis at a roadside stall in Mumbai. AFP
The festival is a bank holiday in most parts of India. AFP
The festival is a bank holiday in most parts of India. AFP
The day usually encompasses family visits, with many dressed in their traditional best. AFP
The day usually encompasses family visits, with many dressed in their traditional best. AFP
Shops, big brands and restaurants offer special deals to celebrate. AFP
Shops, big brands and restaurants offer special deals to celebrate. AFP
A girl with a rakhi. EPA
A girl with a rakhi. EPA
A woman ties a rakhi on her brother's wrist. EPA
A woman ties a rakhi on her brother's wrist. EPA
The rakhi or the charm tied around the wrist has also evolved with the times. EPA
The rakhi or the charm tied around the wrist has also evolved with the times. EPA
Rakhis also vary widely in design and price, from simple woven threads to intricate bejewelled ones. EPA
Rakhis also vary widely in design and price, from simple woven threads to intricate bejewelled ones. EPA
Girls commonly put vermilion paste on their brother's forehead. AP
Girls commonly put vermilion paste on their brother's forehead. AP
Women tie rakhis while celebrating in Kolkata. AFP
Women tie rakhis while celebrating in Kolkata. AFP
A vendor selling rakhis in Kolkata. EPA
A vendor selling rakhis in Kolkata. EPA
A woman holds a plate with rakhis, sweets and oil lamps. AP
A woman holds a plate with rakhis, sweets and oil lamps. AP