Happy Raksha Bandhan!!
We extend our heartfelt wishes to all our readers and aspirants on the joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Raksha Bandhan, a term derived from Sanskrit, translates to “the tie or knot of protection.” Here, “Raksha” symbolizes protection, and “Bandhan” signifies a bond. Celebrated during the month of Shravana in the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan traditionally falls in August each year. This year Raksha Bandhan will be observed over the course of two days, specifically on the 30th and 31st of August.
Raksha Bandhan is a classical Hindu festival that underscores the affection and trust shared between brothers and sisters. The highlight of this event is the sister’s act of tying a Rakhi, a holy thread, around her brother’s wrist.
The ritual of Raksha Bandhan begins with a prayer in front of God. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers, put roli and rice on his forehead, and pray for his well-being. In return, the brother also wishes her a good life ahead and accepts the love with a commitment to stand by his sister through all the good and bad times. The brother vows to look after his sister throughout life. The exchange of gifts takes place that signifies the physical acceptance of the love, the bond, remembrance of their togetherness, and his promise.
Originally, this festival is mainly celebrated in the north and western regions of India but now the world has also started celebrating this festival with the same feelings of love and brotherhood. People prepare delicious meals, eat amazing sweets, and exchange presents. And those who cannot manage to meet each other in today’s times, send rakhi cards and e-rakhis through the internet and even perform the rituals on video calls. All thanks to advanced technology!!
Sisters tend to prepare handmade rakhis for their brothers as a symbol of personal feelings and affection for their brothers. The joyful gathering, the rare family get-together, and the feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood call for a huge celebration.
Rakshabandhan has many historical stories linked to it. The multicultural aspects of this festival can be learned from history dating back thousands of years. Mughal King, Humayun, showed his deference toward the significance of Rakhi. He didn’t take action against the attack of Shershah Suri and went away to save and help the widow Rajput queen of Chittaur, Karnavati, who had sent a rakhi to Humayun.
Story of Draupadi & Lord Krishna:
The tale of Lord Krishna and Draupadi is widely known from the sacred Mahabharata. In this story, Lord Krishna came to Draupadi’s rescue by miraculously extending her saree when the Pandavas lost a game of dice, and the Kauravas were attempting to disrobe her. This act of divine intervention was a result of Lord Krishna being bound by Draupadi’s sisterly affection. Earlier, she had torn a piece of her saree to dress Lord Krishna’s bleeding hand. This story underscores that the Rakhi festival isn’t limited to blood relations; it simply requires a genuine gesture to celebrate the spirit of this festival.
Story of Goddess Lakshmi & King Bali:
The tradition of inviting sisters on Sravan Purnima to tieing Rakhi to their brothers came into existence when Goddess Lakshmi tied Rakhi on the wrist of King Bali as she wanted to take Lord Vishnu along with him who was on a task to protect King Bali’s kingdom due to his devotion and prayers. After the king was touched by the gesture of Goddess Lakshmi’s attempt, he requested Lord Vishnu to go along with Goddess Lakshmi to Vaikuntam.
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