A Pooja Kalawa is tied on wrist by Hindus before the beginning of a religious ceremony. The thread is tied on the right hand by males and on the left hand by females. The thread is tied to invoke the blessings of the Hindu deities especially of the particular deity to whom the puja is dedicated. It is believed to protect it from the crises of life by being tied on the wrist. In religious ceremonies, it is customary to tie a Kalawa around the wrist. Pooja Kalawa is worn to ward off negative energy away from the person who wears this red thread.