Hindus tie a thread called Mauli, Kalava, or Charadu around their wrists before commencing a religious event.

Male tie the thread on their right hand, whereas females knot it on their left. The thread is tied to invoke the blessings of Hindu gods, particularly the deity to whom the puja is devoted.

According to legend, Lord Vishnu knotted a red thread on the hands of King Bali during his incarnation as Vamana to bestow him immortality and reign over the netherworld.

There’s also a prevalent idea that wearing a sanctified red thread with the deity’s blessing can protect you from sickness, adversaries, and other perils.