Raksha Bandhan information

About Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)

Beautiful Rakhi

The bonding between a brother and a sister is simply unique and is beyond description in words. The relationship between siblings is extraordinary and is given importance in every part of the world. However, when it comes to India, the relationship becomes all the more important as there is a festival called "Raksha Bandhan" dedicated for the 

sibling love.

This is a special Hindu festival which is celebrated in India and countries like Nepal to symbolize the love between a brother and a sister. The occasion of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar in the month of Shravana which typically falls in the August month of Gregorian calendar.

Meaning of Raksha Bandhan

Happy Raksha Bandhan

The festival is made up of two words, namely "Raksha" and "Bandhan." As per the Sanskrit terminology, the occasion means "the tie or knot of protection" where "Raksha" stands for the protection and "Bandhan" signifies the verb to tie. Together, the festival symbolizes the eternal love of brother-sister relationship which does not mean just the blood relationships only. It is also celebrated among cousins, sister and sister-in-law (Bhabhi), fraternal aunt (Bua) and nephew (Bhatija) and other such relations.

Origin of Raksha Bandhan Festival

The festival of Raksha Bandhan is known to have originated centuries before and there are several stories related to the celebration of this special festival. Some of the various accounts related to the Hindu mythology are described below:

Rakhi image

Indra Dev and Sachi- According to the ancient legend of Bhavishya Purana, once there was a fierce battle between Gods and demons. Lord Indra- the principle deity of sky, rains and thunderbolts who was fighting the battle on the side of Gods was having a tough resistance from the powerful demon King, Bali. The war continued for a long time and did not came on a decisive end. Seeing this, Indra's wife Sachi went to the Lord Vishnu who gave her a holy bracelet made up of cotton thread. Sachi tied the holy thread around the wrist of her husband, Lord Indra who ultimately defeated the demons and recovered the Amaravati. The earlier account of the festival described these holy threads to be amulets which were used by women for prayers and were tied to their husband when they were leaving for a war. Unlike, the present times, those holy threads were not limited to brother-sister relationships.

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi- As per an account of Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, when Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from the demon King Bali, he asked by the demon king to stay beside him in the palace. The Lord accepted the requested and started living with the demon king. However, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu wanted to return to his native place of Vaikuntha. So, she tied the rakhi around the wrist of demon king, Bali and made him a brother. On asking about the return gift, Goddess Lakshmi asked Bali to free her husband from the vow and let him return to Vaikuntha. Bali agreed to the request and Lord Vishnu returned to his place with his wife, Goddess Lakshmi.

Cute brother sister Raksha Bandhan image

Santoshi Maa- It is said that the two sons of Lord Ganesha namely, Shubh and Labh were frustrated that they had no sister. They asked for a sister from their father who finally obliged to their sister on the intervention of saint Narada. This is how Lord Ganesha created Santoshi Maa through the divine flames and the two sons of Lord Ganesha got their sister for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Krishna and Draupadi- Based on an account of Mahabharat, Draupadi, wife of Pandavas tied a rakhi to Lord Krishna while Kunti tied the rakhi to grandson Abhimanyu before the epic war.

Yama and the Yamuna- Another legend says that the death God, Yama did not visit his sister Yamuna for a period of 12 years who ultimately became very sad. On the advice of Ganga, Yama went to meet his sister Yamuna who has very happy and performed hospitality of her brother, Yama. This made the Yama delighted who asked Yamuna for a gift. She expressed her desire to see her brother again and again. Hearing this, Yama made his sister, Yamuna immortal so that he could see her again and again. This mythological account forms the basis of festival called "Bhai Dooj" which is also based on the brother-sister relationship.

Reason for the celebration of this festival

Happy Raksha Bandhan

The festival of Raksha Bandhan is observed as a symbol of duty between brothers and sisters. The occasion is meant to celebrate any type of brother-sister relationship between men and women who may not be biologically related.

On this day, a sister ties a rakhi around the wrist of her brother in order to pray for his prosperity, health and well-being. The brother in return offers a gifts and promises to protect his sister from any harm and under every circumstance. The festival is also celebrated between brother-sister belonging to distant family members, relatives or cousins.

Raksha Bandhan in India: All You Need To Know About Raksha Bandhan 2020

Rakhi and flower

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival celebrated in India, and by most Indians all around the world. It is one of the most prominent festivals of India; one that revolves around the bond of a brother and sister. The word 'Raksha' means 'To protect' and Bandhan refers to a 'Bond.' This bond of protection is symbolised by a band or thread called as a 'Rakhi.' It's about tying the Rakhi, exchanging blessings, gifts, smiles, pranks, laughter and most importantly, love. 

Raksha Bandhan 2020 Date

Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 3rd August 2020 (Monday), on a full moon day or Purnima of the Hindu month of Shravana.

Where Is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?

Although the core ritual of celebration remains the same; there are many regions that celebrate Purnima along with Raksha Bandhan. 

                  Maharashtra celebrates Narali Purnima, where coconut is offered by the devotees. It signifies the beginning of the fishing season. 

                  Madhya Pradesh and Bihar celebrate Kajari Purnima, marking the commencement of the agricultural season.West Bengal celebrates Jhulan Purnima, which is for Lord Krishna and Radha.Uttarakhand has Jandhyam Purnima, one that encourages Janeyu ceremonies among Brahmins. 

                 Odisha celebrates Gamha Purnima that is primarily about worshipping cows and buffalos. 

There is Pavitropana (worshipping Lord Shiva) in parts of Gujarat, Upakarma (pertaining to a Holy thread) in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

                Raksha Bandhan in Rajasthan is unique. It is called as 'Lumba Rakhi.' Traditionally, it is a Rakhi tied to the sister-in-law, or the brother's wife also known as Bhabhi. It shows acceptance, respect and admiration for her, as she is the 'Ardhangini,' and thus equivalent to the status of her husband.  

How Is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?

Rituals

Raksha Bandhan Thali (Source)

Raksha Bandhan colourful name

Raksha Bandhan has everything to do with Pooja, Prashad, Rakhi, sweets, gifts, games and more. Traditionally, the Pooja involves a proper Aarti Ki Thali with a diya, a bit of vermilion, turmeric, a few grains of rice, some prasad, coconut, a mithai and of course, the Rakhi. Women worship their brothers, pray for their health and prosperity, tie the Rakhi on their wrist and there's an exchange of sweets. Based on recent trends, ornamental Rakhis are tied to the sisters-in-law as well; in a similar manner. Some people also tie a Rakhi to an idol of Lord Krishna, seeking protection and support in times of need. 

Gifts

The brothers offer cash, chocolates or gifts to their sisters. Nowadays, even sisters shower their adoration by giving presents to their brothers. These gifts are above and beyond a formality; as they're like souvenirs of the beautiful bond that siblings share. 

Food and Sweets

Gulab Jamuns (Source)

Although there isn't a specific menu for Raksha Bandhan's feast; Indian festivals can never be complete without elaborate, Desi dishes and sweets. The food preparations are usually in accordance with the taste of the daughter of the house.

All in all, along with a festival, it's a fun-filled day that involves a warm get together of the whole family. The elders and the children of the house get to play fun games, exchange gifts, click pictures and spend quality time with each other.

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