Raksha Bandhan is the most awaited Hindu festival. It is celebrated throughout the country, but its tradition and customs differ from state to state. This festival is celebrated with a full enthusiasm and joy in every house since a long time. Let’s see how this festival is celebrated in our country and which traditions and customs are followed. Below are some important points which are followed on the day of Raksha Bandhan from morning till evening.
Day of celebration of Raksha Bandhan-
Raksha Bandhan is an auspicious day of celebration of sisters and brothers’ love. According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated in the month of Shravana (August) on a full moon day after avoiding Bhadra timings. It is ideal to perform the rituals of Raksha Bandhan during Aparahan time.
Bath:
On this auspicious day, brothers and sisters first take the bath in the morning. In some states, sisters keep the fast on that day (especially in the North). As per the full ritualistic way, the bath should be performed before sunrise in Pratahkal.
Prayer:
After taking a bath, both brothers and sisters worship God Raksha and ancestors. They pray for each other well-beings from God. It is believed that doing worship of Raksha on this special day makes them happy throughout the year and the God protects your brother and sister from the evil eyes.
Rakhi thali preparation:
Sisters decorate their puja thali on this day. They beautifully decorate thali and put all the essentials which are required for the worship in the thali.
Sweets and Rakhi are brought a day before the Raksha Bandhan. The main ingredients of the puja are rice grains, roli, tilak, kumkum, aggarbattis, sweets, Rakhi and diyas.
Tying Rakhi
Sisters tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers because it is believed that this sacred thread (Rakhi) protects their brothers from vampires, ghosts, and other bad spirits. Sisters pray for the long and prosperous life of their dear brothers. Also, it is considered that Rakhi offers victory, comfort, health and wealth to brothers. In return, brothers also give a promise to their sisters to be there for them in all circumstances and protect them from evil eyes. Rakhi should be tying while chanting the mantras because it provides highly effective and wonderful effects.
Mantras for Raksha Bandhan
The above mantra means that -
The sun radiates its sunlight; the radish spreads its seeds,
I tie the rakhi to you O brother and wish that may you live long."
“I tie you the rakhi that was tied to king Bali, the king of Demons,
O Rakhi I pray that you never falter in protecting your devotee.”
Celebration of Raksha Bandhan in Different States
In Maharashtra- Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Nariyal Poornima. On this day, fishermen in coastal state offer prayers to Lord Varuna, who is God of Sea, and take His blessings. Women and girls tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers.
In Jammu or North India- On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, people fly kites. You can see all the colorful and various sizes kites in the sky.
In Haryana- In Haryana, the girls ties thread on the wrist on brothers and pray for their long-life on this day. The priests also tie amulets on people's wrists to protect them against evil.
In Odisha and West Bengal- Raksha Bandhan in these states is also known as Jhulan Purnima. On this day, people worship Lord Krishna and Radha. Sisters tie Rakhi on brother's wrist and wish for their health & wealth.