Table of Contents
Introduction
Raksha Bandhan is a very special festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. It commemorates the love and bond between a brother and sister. It is also known as the festival of brothers and sisters.
When is raksha bandhan celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan, also known as the “festival of brothers and sisters”, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana. It is typically celebrated in August month. In 2022 the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Thursday, August 11.
History of Raksha Bandhan
The festival of Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated for centuries in India, and has a long and rich history. The word ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means bond – so the festival literally celebrates the bond of protection between brothers and sisters.
Traditionally, on Raksha Bandhan sisters tie a special bracelet called a rakhi around their brother’s wrist. The rakhi symbolizes the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s safety and well-being. In return, the brother promises to protect his sister from all harm and danger.
Raksha Bandhan is thought to have originated during the time of the Mahabharata epic, when the warrior prince Krishna saved Draupadi from being humiliated by the Kaurava brothers.
Krishna and Draupadi were good friends. It so happened once that Krishna’s finger got a cut while he was flying a kite.
Draupadi, who was near around, witnessed it and saw Krishna’s bleeding finger. She tore a piece of her saree and tied it around Krishna’s bleeding finger.
Moved by the kind gesture, Krishna promised Dropadi that he will always protect her from evil and help her in times needful, forever.
The man of his words, Krishna kept his promise when he saved Dropadi from humiliation at hands of Kauravas during her ‘cheerharan’ by giving her a saree that would never end!
In more recent times, the festival has taken on a more nationalistic meaning, with girls tying rakhis to soldiers as a way of showing support for them.
How to celebrate raksha bandhan?
There are a few different ways to celebrate raksha bandhan. One way is to exchange gifts between brothers and sisters.
Another way is to share meals together, or even go out for a special dinner. And of course, you can always just spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.
No matter how you choose to celebrate raksha bandhan, the most important thing is to remember the meaning of the holiday: to celebrate the special bond between brothers and sisters.
Can girls tie rakhi?
Though ‘Rakhi’ is meant to be exclusively tied on brothers’/cousins’ wrist by the sisters, there are some regions in India where a girls or women are allowed to tie rakhi on their own wrist. No wonder India is a culturally diverse nation!
Especially Marwadi and Rajasthani women tie a special kind of ‘Lumba Rakhi’ around their sister in law’s wrist.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, also known as the “Sisters’ Festival”, is celebrated by Hindus across India.
It is a time when brothers and sisters express their love and affection for one another.
On this day, sisters tie a Rakhi, or sacred thread, around their brothers’ wrists and pray for their protection. In return, brothers pledge to always stand by their sisters and protect them from harm.
Raksha Bandhan has deep roots in Hindu mythology and legend. One story tells of how the god Vishnu was once tricked by a demon into losing his balance.
As he was about to fall off his mountaintop perch, his wife Lakshmi tied a Rakhi around his wrist, saving him from injury.
Another story tells of how the warrior-princess Draupadi was once saved from certain death by her brother Krishna, who used his divine powers to create an unending length of cloth from which she could escape her captors.
Whatever its origins, Raksha Bandhan is now primarily a celebration of the special bond between brothers and sisters. It is a time for families to come together and express their love for one another.
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan is a special occasion for celebrating the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. It is a day when siblings take time out to express their affection for each other. This festival strengthens the bonds of love and helps keep families close-knit. Raksha Bandhan is an important part of our culture and tradition, and you shall be proud to celebrate it every year with your family.