Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a day to celebrate the pure bond of love and care between siblings. This festival is observed on Shravana Poornima. This celebration is a reassurance between siblings to be there for each other, to always protect each other in all circumstances of life. On this day, sisters of all ages tie an amulet, called the rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers as a symbol of their sibling bond.

Raksha Bandhan Date 2023

Significance

Raksha Bandhan literally translates to ‘safety’- ‘bond’, or a bond of protection. This festival is a celebration of this unconditional and strong bond that exists between siblings. Celebrating Raksha Bandhan is seen as a time-honoured ritual of protection, one of the greatest gifts that siblings give each other. 

Traditionally, sisters tie Rakhi on her brother wrist and pray to God for his overall wellbeing, and the brother pledges to protect her from all troubles. Today, in the modern outlook to ritual, the roles tend to go either way. This festival is not only restricted to blood related siblings anymore, but also close friends and extended family. Rakhis are tied to elder sisters when one doesn’t have an older brother of their own. Regardless of who it is offered to, the essence remains the same, the rakhi honours the one who has been caring and nurturing us, someone who is always looking out for us.

Legend

Raksha Bandhan ritual is seen to have roots in the Mahabharatha kala. Lord Krishna and Draupadi who though were not siblings by blood their bond has always been an epitome of sibling relationship. The legend dictates that Lord Krishna had accidentally hurt his finger when He used it to behead Shishupala. Princess Draupadi instantly tore the end of her saree to bandage the wound. Lord Krishna was moved by her care and concern, He took a vow to protect her from all odds, all her life. Raksha Bandhan is a re-enactment of this selfless deed, a sister’s constant prayer for her brother’s well-being and a brother’s readiness to protect and rescue his sister when in trouble.

Rituals

Raksha Bandhan is a day to express love and affection on our siblings. On the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, the family along with the siblings get together and perform a pooja and aarti to the Lord of their choice. Then, the sisters prepare a pooja thali of small lamp, Rakhi, coconut and sweets. During the ritual, the sisters apply a teeka of roli and chawal on the forehead of their brothers (or elder sisters), tie the rakhi and some place the roli chawal on the Rakhi. Offer them sweets to eat. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and they both have a meal together.

Important Timings On Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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