Raksha Bandhan is celebrated all over India for the special bond of love between brothers and sisters. Raksha Bandhan in Sanskrit translates to ‘bond of protection’ as the day is celebrated by tying a sacred thread called rakhi by the sisters to their brothers to provide protection. The brother also silently makes a vow to protect his sister from all kinds of evil. Then the brothers and sisters both exchange gifts and give blessings to each other. Today this day is celebrated not only between the siblings, but also between friends and close ones to provide them with protection and to also spread the message of brotherhood and harmony.
When is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?
The auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar and therefore it is also called Rakhi Purnima or Shravan Purnima. According to the English calendar, this year the festival will be celebrated on 15th August. Following are the dates of the festival for the next 5 years.
|
Year |
Date |
Day |
|
2020 |
3rd Aug |
Monday |
|
2021 |
22nd Aug |
Sunday |
|
2022 |
11th Aug |
Thursday |
|
2023 |
30th Aug |
Wednesday |
|
2024 |
19th Aug |
Monday |
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Today the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated for the love and protection between the brothers and sisters. But, it was not always like that. In the Hindu mythology, not only sisters but wives, mothers or people of other relations would tie a sacred thread or a special talisman to protection to their dear one. The sages also tied a sacred thread to the people who visited him for blessings. People today celebrate this festival between siblings as well as friends and close relatives to pray for their protection and express their love and care.
Traditions and Customs
Raksha Bandhan from a very long time is being celebrated by tying a sacred thread of the wrist of brothers and then feeding sweets to him. Then both the siblings exchange the gifts and have a meal together.
The festival is celebrated in a number of ways in different parts of India and it is also known by different names. People in the South India celebrate Avani Avittam on the day of Raksha Bandhan in which the brahmins exchange sacred threads and show their gratitude towards their ancestors for their teachings. People of the west offer coconuts to the sea god on Nariyal Purnima which falls on the same day as Raksha Bandhan. Similarly there are various other customs in which day is celebrated.
Raksha Bandhan History and Legends
The origin of the festival is difficult to trace. But, there are numerous legends and stories that indicate that a sacred thread or an amulet was tied to a special one to provide him or her protection against the evil. These stories are not necessarily between the brother and sisters, but also between husband and wife such as the legend of and other precious relations such. Here are some of the legends that today have led to the celebration of the Raksha Bandhan.
Indra Indrani: In this story, Indrani ties a sacred thread on the wrist of her husband to protect him against the evil demons.
Yama and Yamuna: Yamuna tied a sacred thread on the wrist of her brother Yama and prayed to the gods for his protection against his step mother who had put a curse of death and mutilation upon him.
Goddess Laxmi and King Bali: In this legend, Goddess Laxmi tied rakhi to demon king Bali and asked him to free her husband Lord Vishnu from his palace and let both of them return to Vaikunth.
Lord Ganesha and Santoshi Maa: Lord Ganesha on the request of his sons Shubh and Labh created a little sister for them to tie the rakhi. This little girl was became Santoshi Maa.
To know more about Raksha Bandhan and read more fun stuff relating to the festival, you can follow the links given on the page. Here are some more Rakhi Trivia for you to read:
- How is Rakhi Made
- Famous Brothers and Sisters
- Shravana Purnima
- Rakhi SMS
- Rakhi Quotes
- Rakhi Poems
- Rakhi Songs
Legend of Demons and Gods
There is a famous legend which is about war between Demons and Gods. Gods were led by Lord Indra and Demons by King Brutra. When Indra felt that they are about to get defeated in the war, then he approached Guru Brihaspa to find solution to win the war against the demons. His Guru suggested him that on the day of Shravan Purnima, he will tie a thread on his wrist while chanting some powerful mantras. The wife of Lord Indra, Queen Indrani, tied a thread on the wrist of his husband on the decided day. This thread ensured the victory of Gods over Demons. From then, the power of sacred thread has been admired among people and tied during the difficult situation to protect the dear ones.
Famous legend during Mahabharata
During the time of Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna suggested Yudhishthir to perform Rakhi ceremony. Lord Krishna advised that a sacred thread would protect Yudhishthir and his army from dangers in the war. Also, the mother of Pandavas tied a Rakhi on the wirst of Abhimanyu who was her grandson. Draupadi also tied a Rakhi to Lord Krishna and in return he promised her to protect her in all adversities.
Legend of Humayun
During 16th century, the Sultan of Gujarat invaded Chittor. At that time, Queen of Chittor Karnavati sent a Rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun and asked for his help. A Rakhi from Hindu queen to Mughal emperor melt the heart of Mughal emperor Humayun. He fought from the side of Chittor and fulfilled his promise to always protect Queen Karnavati.
Legend of King Puru and Alexander the Great
This is one of the famous stories in history. In 326 BCE, King Puru and Alexander the Great fought a war against each other. The Wife of Alexander the Great, Roshanak, sent a Rakhi to Puru and requested him not to cause any harm to her husband. King Puru kept his promise and did not cause any harm to Alexander the Great in the battle.
Story associated with Rabindranath Tagore and Rakhi Festival
During the time of Bengal partition in 1905, when British Empire tried to divide Hindus and Muslims, a Rakhi festival was organized by Nobel Laureate poet, Rabindranath Tagorr. This festival became successful because it spread the spirit of fraternity across India.