Which of the following festivals is associated with the term ‘ties of protection’?

The correct answer is Raksha Bandhan.

To understand why, let us break down the question and the answer step by step.

Step 1: Decode the key phrase — "ties of protection"
The question asks us to identify which festival is directly associated with the concept of "ties of protection." This is essentially asking us to find a festival whose very name or core tradition revolves around binding or tying something as a symbol of protection.

Step 2: Analyze the meaning of "Raksha Bandhan"
The word Raksha Bandhan comes from Sanskrit:

- Raksha (रक्षा) = Protection / to protect
- Bandhan (बंधन) = Bond / tie / knot

Together, Raksha Bandhan literally translates to "the bond of protection" or "ties of protection" — making it a perfect and direct match for the phrase used in the question.

Step 3: Understand the tradition of Raksha Bandhan
On this festival, a sister ties a sacred thread called a Rakhi on her brother's wrist. This act symbolizes:

- The sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being.
- The brother's solemn promise to protect his sister throughout her life.

The Rakhi itself is the "tie" and the entire ceremony embodies the concept of a "protective bond" — which is exactly what "ties of protection" means.

Step 4: Rule out the other options

- Baisakhi: A harvest festival celebrated mainly in Punjab, marking the Sikh New Year. It has no direct association with ties or bonds of protection.
- Karwa Chauth: A festival where married women fast for the long life and safety of their husbands. It is about devotion and longevity, not specifically "ties of protection."
- Chhath Pooja: A festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Dev), involving prayers and rituals near water bodies. It has no association with tying threads or bonds of protection.

Conclusion:
Only Raksha Bandhan is literally defined by its name as the "bond/tie of protection," making it the only correct answer among all the options provided.