Rakhi Purnima or Raksha Bandhan is an important festival celebrated in North India

Raksha Bandhan is a popular festival in India that celebrates the eternal bond between a brother and a sister. This auspicious occasion, which falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan (usually in August), is a time for families to come together and honour the special relationship between siblings. The festival has deep roots in Indian culture and ancient legends, and its significance has evolved over thousands of years.
The word "Raksha Bandhan" comes from the Sanskrit words "raksha" meaning protection and "bandhan" meaning bond. The festival symbolises the unbreakable bond of love, care, and protection that exists between siblings. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called a "rakhi" on their brothers' wrists as a symbol of their bond. In return, brothers promise to protect and care for their sisters throughout their lives, often giving them sweets, money, or other gifts as a symbol of their affection.

Table of Contents

1. Date and Shubh Muhurat of Raksha Bandhan
2. Ancient Origins of Raksha Bandhan
3. Evolution of Raksha Bandhan
4. Rituals and Traditions of Raksha Bandhan
5. How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
6. Importance of Raksha Bandhan in Modern Times

Date and Shubh Muhurat of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan in 2024 will be celebrated on August 19, Monday. The auspicious Purnima Tithi will begin at 3:04 am and end at 11:55 pm on the same day. However, it is important to note that Bhadra, which is considered inauspicious for tying Rakhi, will also be present. The Bhadra Kaal will end at 3:00 pm on August 19, making the time after this the best for Rakhi celebrations. Thus, the ideal time to tie Rakhi is between 3:04 pm and 11:55 pm on that day.

Ancient Origins of Raksha Bandhan

The earliest reference to Raksha Bandhan is found in the great Indian epic Mahabharata. According to legend, during a crucial battle, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tore a piece of cloth from her sari and tied it on Lord Krishna's wrist to stop the bleeding. Overwhelmed by her affection and protective gesture, Lord Krishna promised to always be with her in times of need. This event is considered to symbolise the sacred bond between a brother and a sister.

Another popular myth associated with Raksha Bandhan is the story of Rani Karnavati of Chittor and the Mughal emperor Humayun. When Rani Karnavati, a widowed queen, realised that she could not protect her kingdom from the invasion of the cruel Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, she sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun, seeking his help. Moved by this gesture, Humayun immediately set out to protect Chittor with his army, thus fulfilling his duty as a brother.

Evolution of Raksha Bandhan

Over time, Raksha Bandhan has taken various forms and is celebrated by different communities in India. It is not limited to immediate siblings but also extends to cousins, friends and even neighbours, reflecting a wider sense of brotherhood and unity.

In 1905, during the partition of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore used the occasion of Raksha Bandhan to promote friendship and unity between Hindus and Muslims. He encouraged people to tie rakhis on each other's wrists transcending religious boundaries and emphasised the importance of harmony and peace.

Rites and Traditions of Raksha Bandhan

The rituals and traditions associated with Raksha Bandhan vary across different regions of India, but the basic essence is the same. Here are some common practices:

Rakhi Tying Ritual: On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters gather around their brothers and perform aarti (a ritual of worship) using a thali (plate) containing a lighted lamp, flowers and rice. They then tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, apply tilak and feed them sweets.

Exchange of Gifts: After the rakhi-tying ritual, brothers give their sisters gifts as a symbol of their love and protection. Gifts can range from clothes, jewellery and money to more personal items that reflect the brother's affection for his sister.

How to celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan is a time for families to come together and enjoy delicious traditional dishes and sweets. The day is filled with laughter, stories and sharing of fond memories between siblings. Therefore, this festival should be celebrated by all family members and relatives together.

Importance of Raksha Bandhan in Modern Times

In today's fast-paced world, where relationships can sometimes be strained due to distance and busy schedules, Raksha Bandhan is a reminder of the importance of family and the bond between siblings. It is a time to set aside differences, express love and gratitude, and strengthen the relationships that bind us together.

Moreover, Raksha Bandhan is not just limited to immediate siblings; it has come to include cousins, friends, and even neighbours. By tying a rakhi on each other's wrists, people from all walks of life can celebrate the spirit of love, protection, and unity that Raksha Bandhan symbolises.