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Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a sacred Hindu festival that celebrates the unique and eternal bond between brothers and sisters. The festival occurs on the full moon day of the Shravan month, which corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 30 and 31, depending on the region and the auspicious timing.
The main ritual of Raksha Bandhan involves sisters tying a sacred thread, called Rakhi, on their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing their love and prayers for their well-being. Brothers, in turn, pledge to protect their sisters from all harm and shower them with gifts and blessings. However, in modern times, the festival has also become a celebration of siblinghood among sisters and brothers of different faiths and cultures.
The origin and significance of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to various historical and mythological events. One of the most popular legends is from the epic Mahabharata, where Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tore a piece of her saree and tied it on Lord Krishna’s injured finger. Krishna was so touched by her gesture that he promised to protect her from any danger. He fulfilled his promise when he saved Draupadi from being humiliated by the Kauravas in the royal court of Hastinapur.
Another legend is from the medieval period, where Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun, seeking his help against the invasion of Bahadur Shah. Humayun was moved by her request and rushed to her aid, but he arrived too late to save her from committing self-immolation along with other women.
Raksha Bandhan also has a social and cultural dimension, as it transcends religious boundaries and fosters interfaith harmony. For instance, during the partition of India in 1947, many Hindu and Sikh women tied Rakhis on Muslim men to save themselves from violence. Similarly, many Muslim women tied Rakhis on Hindu men to seek their protection. Even today, many people celebrate Raksha Bandhan with their friends and neighbors of different faiths and backgrounds.
Raksha Bandhan 2023: Date, Shubh Muhurat & Cultural Significance Beyond the Threads.
The date and time of Raksha Bandhan vary according to the lunar calendar and the regional customs. This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on August 30 and 31, due to the occurrence of Bhadra Kaal, which is considered inauspicious for performing any rituals. According to Drik Panchang, the full moon day (Purnima Tithi) begins at 10:59 AM on August 30 and ends at 7:05 AM on August 31. The Bhadra Kaal ends at 9:01 PM on August 30. Therefore, one can tie Rakhi from this time onwards until 7 AM on August 31.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across India and abroad. The preparations begin well in advance, as sisters shop for colorful and intricate Rakhis for their brothers. They also prepare sweets and delicacies for the occasion. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters apply tilak (vermilion) on their brothers’ foreheads, tie Rakhis on their wrists, offer sweets to them, and pray for their happiness and prosperity. Brothers reciprocate by giving gifts to their sisters, such as clothes, jewelry, money, or anything they desire. They also hug their sisters and assure them of their love and protection.
Raksha Bandhan is not only a festival of siblings but also a festival of love, protection, and harmony among all people. It celebrates the diversity and unity of India’s culture and heritage. It also reminds us of our moral duties and responsibilities towards each other. It is a festival that strengthens our bonds and brings us closer together.