Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival celebrated every year on the day of the Purnima of Shravan month as per the Hindu calendar. On this day sisters tie a thread on the wrist of their brothers which is called Rakhi and also apply a tilak on their forehead. Brothers give gifts and sweets to their sisters and promise to protect them.
Raksha Bandhan is a bond of love, care, and respect. It showcases the different bonds between siblings who always fought but are together in difficulties.
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India. This auspicious occasion revolves around the eternal bond shared between brothers and sisters.
Raksha Bandhan brings siblings together to reaffirm their love, protection, and lifelong commitment to each other. The festival carries a rich history and an abundance of heartwarming stories that symbolize the essence of familial love and unity mentioned below.
Contents
When is Raksha Bandhan 2024?
This year Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on 19 August 2024. As per Hindu Pachang it is from Monday 19 August at 03:04 am (around) to 19 August at 11:55 am (around).
Suggested Read:- Janamashtmi – the birth festival of Lord Krishna
The Cause of Celebration
The term “Raksha Bandhan” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Raksha” (protection) and “Bandhan” (bond). The primary cause of celebration is the deep-rooted relationship between siblings, particularly between brothers and sisters.
The festival signifies the unbreakable vow of protection and support that brothers make towards their sisters, who, in turn, pray for their brothers’ well-being and prosperity.
Rituals and Traditions
The festival commences with preparations a few days in advance. Sisters search for the perfect rakhi, a sacred thread beautifully decorated with beads, colors, and sometimes even gems, which symbolizes the love and protection they seek for their brothers.
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, the sisters perform aarti (ritual of waving lighted lamps) for their brothers, apply a tilak (vermilion mark) on their forehead, and then tie the rakhi on their wrists.
In return, brothers offer gifts, which could be in the form of money or presents, along with the promise to protect and support their sisters throughout their lives.
Stories behind the festival of Raksha Bandhan
There are several mythological stories behind the celebration of the Indian festival Rakhsha Bandhan. Let us know some of the stories.
The Legend of Lord Krishna and Draupadi
One of the most popular stories associated with Raksha Bandhan comes from the epic Mahabharata.
It is said that when Lord Krishna hurt his finger while handling sugarcane, Draupadi, immediately tore a piece of her saree to bandage his wound. Some people say that the finger is cut with Sudarshan Chakra, you can believe both stories as both describe the bond of Draupadi and Krishna.
Touched by her gesture, Lord Krishna vowed to protect her, and during her Swayamvara (a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband), he came to her rescue, honoring his promise.
The Story of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun
Another compelling tale from history involves Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Mewar, and Emperor Humayun.
Sensing an imminent attack on her kingdom, Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun, seeking his protection. Touched by her request, Humayun immediately set out to defend her honor, although he arrived a bit too late to save her kingdom.
Karnavati already set herself on fire to protect her honor but Bahudar Shah had to leave the Chittor as Humayun reached there.
Santoshi Maa, Shubh and Labh
There is also another story of Santoshi Maa. Lord Ganesha has two sons Shubh and Labh.
Both sons are frustrated because they do not have any sisters to celebrate Rakhi. During that time Saint Narada also visits Ganesha and tells him that there should be a sister for Shubh and Labh. Then with powers and flames, Lord Ganesha created Santoshi Maa to bring a sister for Shubh and Labh.
Indrani and Inder
One more story is that once Indrani sister of Devraj Inder tied a knot for his protection in the battle, Inder won the battle. From then Sisters tied knots for the protection of their brothers.
Yama and Yamuna
According to Hindu mythology, Yama, the God of Death, was granted the boon of immortality by his sister, Yamuna.
Touched by her love and affection, Yama promised that anyone who received a rakhi from their sister would become immortal.
This story highlights the sacredness of the bond between siblings and the significance of the festival.
There are endless stories about this festival if you know something different and true story about it please write it in the comment box below.
Raksha Bandhan is more than just a ritual, it is a celebration of the profound love and protection shared between siblings.
Through the stories of Lord Krishna and Draupadi, Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun, and Yama and Yamuna, the festival emphasizes the importance of standing by each other in times of need and offering unconditional support.
Raksha Bandhan serves as a reminder of the unique bond between brothers and sisters, reinforcing the values of love, trust, and unity in the fabric of Indian culture.
As this heartwarming festival continues to be celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, it brings families together, strengthening the unbreakable thread that binds siblings for a lifetime.
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