August 31: Mahottari, along with the entire ancient Mithila region, is observing the 'Raksha Bandhan’ (Rakhi) festival today (Thursday). The festival which is observed on the full moon day in the fourth month of the Nepali year as per the lunar calendar is taken as a moment to strengthen the bond among sisters and brothers. As a major part of the festival, sisters put Rakhi (a decorative thread) around the wrists of their brothers and offer them delicacies, wishing them longevity and prosperity.    
This unique tradition of the Mithilanchal is celebrated as the 'Rakhi' festival. In return, sisters receive clothing, jewelry and cash as gifts.    
Generally, the festival falls in the month of Shrawn (mid-July to mid-August), but this year it was postponed due to the extra month of Malmas observed this year.

The Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving a holy thread on the wrist by priest while sisters tie the Rakhi thread on the wrist of their brothers.    
Brothers return home to observe this festival. In the past, the festival was limited to the Hindu-Maithil community, but now its popularity has been extended to other communities as well, according to Bardibas Janata Multiple Campus Chief Dilip Tiwari.    
It is believed that during ancient Satya Yugha, Bali, the demon king of three realms including the heaven, the earth and the underworld, received a sacred thread as protection from his teacher Shukracharya before he set out for a war against deities and the Rakshabandhan is observed by receiving thread from priests as the continuity of the same tradition.    
Similarly, in another context, Bali's sisters Ganga and Yamuna tied a protective thread on their brother's wrist, wishing him a success in the battle. In the end, Bali was victorious against the deities and the Rakhi is celebrated in commemoration of the triumph, said Matihani-based Yagyawalkya Laxminarayan Sanskrit Campus (Vidhyapeeth)’s Maithali department lecturer Manoj Jha.    
Rakhi is celebrated largely by all castes, communities and religions in the Mithila region. The festival has been a common celebration due to cultural exchanges and internalization, say the elderly people. The festival has evolved as a symbol of communal, social and cultural harmony and unity, according teacher Leelanath Gautam. -- RSS