Legend of Lord Vishnu

According to the Hindu mythology, lord Vishnu was impressed by the might of Bali, grandson of the great devotee Prahalada (a great devotee of Vishnu). Lord Vishnu was so pleased that he promised him divine protection and immortality until Bali was crowned Indra. To keep his promise, lord Vishnu left his abode in the heaven and started guarding Bali. Alarmed at this, Goddess Lakshmi (the consort of Lord Vishnu) decided to bring lord Vishnu back to his divine abode.

Goddess Lakshmi disguised herself as a Brahmin woman and went to Bali to seek protection till her husband returns. Bali, kind by nature, welcomed her (Lakshmi) into his palace. Lakshmi was in the lookout for the right opportunity and came on the occasion of Shravana Purnima; Lakshmi tied a colored cotton thread (Rakhi) on Bali's wrist. Bali was greatly touched by this gesture of the Brahmin women (Lakshmi) and asked her for a gift. Lakshmi grabbed this opportunity and revealed her real identity and asked Bali to let go her husband (lord Vishnu). As Bali had given his words, he had to relent but he extracted a promise from the couple to visit his palace every year on this day for a meal with him.

Taking cue from this tradition sisters visit their brothers on the day of Raksha Bandhan (Shravana Purnima) and have meal with them. On this auspicious day, they tie a thread (Rakhi) on the wrist of their brothers and wish for their long life and prosperity.