Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a joyous Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal, symbolizing the eternal bond of love between brothers and sisters.
The term "Raksha Bandhan" translates to "the bond of protection." On this auspicious day, sisters tie colorful threads, called Rakhi, around their brothers' wrists as a symbol of love and protection. In return, brothers pledge to safeguard their sisters and shower them with gifts and blessings. This cherished tradition fosters familial harmony and strengthens the bond between siblings, transcending distances and differences. Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful celebration of love, trust, and togetherness.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by brothers and sisters in front of their parents, grandparents, and elders while they dress in new attire. The sisters perform aarti and light a diya, or earthen lamp, which symbolizes the fire deity, as part of the ritual. They put a "tilak" on their brothers' foreheads and offer prayers for their brother's wellbeing. In addition, the brother is given a serving of dessert, dry fruits, or sweets, and the rakhi is then fastened around his wrist.
Bhadra Mukha, Raksha Bandhan: 10:53 AM to 12:37 PM. On August 19, 2024, at 03:04 AM, Purnima Tithi began. August 19, 2024, at 11:55 p.m. is Purnima Tithi.
Before sunrise on the day of Shravana Purnima, one should perform a complete ritualistic bath during Pratahkal. To please the gods and ancestors, one should conduct the Deva and Pitra Tarpan ritual after taking a bath. Upakarma, also known as Avani Avittam in Tamil Nadu, is a famous ritual that is performed in the morning.
Raksha Bandhan should ideally be performed during Aparahna period, according to Vratraj. Raksha is worshipped and tied to the wrist in the shape of a Raksha bundle, or Raksha Potli, as part of the primary Raksha Bandhan rite. The ingredients for the Raksha Potli should include unbroken rice, white mustard, and gold thread. For the Puja, Raksha Potli should be kept on a clean cloth and woven with colorful cotton or woolen fabric.
The Raksha Bandhan mantra, chanted during the tying of the sacred thread (Rakhi), seeks divine blessings for the protection and well-being of the brother. It typically includes prayers for his longevity, prosperity, and success in life. Mantras have been believed to have various benefits including promoting focus and concentration, calming the mind, and invoking positive energies. Regular chanting of mantras is thought to cultivate inner peace, spiritual growth, and overall well-being.
The story of Raksha Bandhan holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and tradition. One famous legend revolves around the bond between Lord Krishna and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. Once, Draupadi tore a piece of cloth from her saree to bandage Krishna's wounded finger.
Touched by her gesture, Krishna vowed to protect Draupadi in times of distress. Years later, during the infamous episode of the Mahabharata, when Draupadi was being disrobed in the royal court, Krishna came to her aid, miraculously elongating her saree to save her honor. This story exemplifies the essence of Raksha Bandhan, symbolizing the bond of love, protection, and devotion between siblings.
Rabindranath Tagore introduced the idea of Raksha Bandhan at the beginning of the 20th century as a representation of harmony and fraternity among all Indian communities. He thought that wearing a Rakhi may represent a protective link between individuals of different cultures as well as between biological siblings.
Raksha Bandhan is mostly about celebrating the relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters wrap a rakhi around their brothers' wrists on this day to show their love, concern, and protection for one another. In exchange, brothers frequently show their sisters gratitude by giving them gifts or other mementos.
Yes, Raksha Bandhan can be celebrated among non-siblings. Traditionally, the festival symbolizes the bond between brothers and sisters, but it has evolved to include relationships beyond biological siblings. Friends, cousins, and even non-family members can participate in the ritual, where the rakhi symbolizes a pledge of protection and mutual respect.
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