This day women and girls of all ages tie a Rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers as a symbol of protection. The men and boys will in turn gift their sisters money, new clothes, sweets, etc. 

Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of the king of Chittor, used a Rakhi to ask for help from Mughal Emperor Humayun. As Chittor faced an invasion from the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, the Rani realised that she could not defend it and asked Humayun for help. As per the tale, the Emperor set off with his troops to defend Chittor.