In Maharashtra the festival of Bhaubeej is very popular. It is similar to raksha bandhan except that the reasoning behind it is different. The sister worships her brother with a Arati. The brother stands for Krishna who did the noble deed of killing N. Before stepping into the special square, lined with various designs in corn powder, to receive the worship, the brother taste a particular bitter fruit ( Karith in marathi ) which Krishna is said to have tasted before setting out for the kill.
Some of you might argue that the origins of these festivals are deep rooted in our mythology. But a myth, it may be noted, is no yarn. It was Ruskin who described the myth as a story with a meaning attached to it other than what is apparent, and a characteristic feature of it, he went to add, is something extraordinary about its circumstances.
Have a great time, not forgetting to share some of your happiness and wealth with the less fortunate.
This essay is based on inputs from my Email Guru and Symbolism in Hinduism by the Chinamaya Mission.