Kalava is the sacred Hindu thread also called mauli or charadu in Hindi,sometimes raksha. ... The Kalava is tied on the right wrist of men and unmarried women and on the left wrist of the married women. It is believed that tying this sacred thread protects a person from enemies, disease and other dangers. If we wear it on the wrist, it will help purify our thoughts and turn them into positive ones. Before beginning any religious ceremony we apply kum kum or chandan tika on the forehead of our deities as well as the people who are going to perform puja. It is considered auspicious to apply tika with these and then move out for any work. It is believed to give success in our work.