Rakhi has been celebrated by Hindus at least since 1000 years.
Here is how the festival was originally celebrated:
On Śrāvana Pūrnima, Upākarma ritual is performed wherein Hindus change Yajñopavita.
This is followed by visit of the people of the entire village or settlement to house of Brāhmaṇs.
Then, the Brāhmaṇ tied a thread called rakṣikā to the wrist of people.
This thread is an oath of protection. Sons tied it to their fathers. Sisters to their brothers. Brahmans to Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Even lovers to their beloved.
"RT @bishwesh0604: @TrueIndology I had seen this custom during my childhood practicing by few members in my family who used to practice priesthood"
"RT @Bihari_Boy_: @TrueIndology It is still practicised in my village(in bihar) where pundit ji(brahmin) tie rakhi to every villager."
In 1273 CE, Brahmins celebrating Rakhi were massacred by a Muslim army. The great Rajput king Rao Siha died fighting those invaders. To this day, these Brahmins do not celebrate Rakhi as a mark of respect for victims.
Writing 200 years before Shah Alam II, Abul Fazl notes in Ain-I-Akbari that Rakhi was celebrated by Hindus of his day with much fervor [Snippet from Ain-I-Akbari Volume III].
Karnavati's Rakhi to Humayun
Gujarat Sultan, Bahadur Shah laid siege to Chittor. Bahadur Shah had given refuge to Zaman Mirza, Humayun's enemy. Humayun was on his way to attack Bahadur Shah.
Rani Karnavati, wife of Rana Sangram Singh (Rana Sanga), grandmother of MahaRana Pratap, sent a Rakhi to Humayun, requesting help during a siege by Bahadur Shah.
Bahadur Shah wrote a letter saying that his was a holy war against infidels. Humayun decided not to advance.
Humayun decided not to help as Karnavati. Source: Mirat-i-Sikandari.
Bahadur Shah had artillery, which the Rajput Sisodias lacked. They valiantly fought & died.
Karnavati committed Jauhad. Children were thrown into wells.
One year after Bahadur Shah ransacked Chittor, destroyed temples, took slaves & women, Humayun came to collect taxes & punish his enemies.
Contemporary intolerance
Aug 2018: A watchman of a Gurudwara assaulted a 14 year old girl with sticks because she sold Rakhis outside the spot.
https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-shahjahanpur-communal-clash-over-rakhi-70-held-for-rioting-and-arson-2654937
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