Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a Hindu festival celebrated in India to commemorate the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. It is one of the most popular festivals in the country and holds great significance in Indian culture. The festival falls on the full moon day in the month of Shravana, which usually falls in August.
The word Raksha Bandhan is derived from the Sanskrit words “Raksha” which means protection, and “Bandhan” which means bond. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread known as a Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love and protection. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts as a token of their love and appreciation.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across India. Sisters start preparing for Raksha Bandhan weeks in advance, shopping for the perfect Rakhi and gifts for their brothers. On the day of the festival, sisters perform aarti (a ritual of offering prayers) for their brothers and apply a tilak on their foreheads. They then tie the Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists and perform a traditional ritual of feeding them sweets.
Brothers, in turn, give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them from any harm. The Rakhi thread is considered to be a symbol of the bond between siblings and is believed to have the power to protect the brother from evil forces.
Raksha Bandhan is not just a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, but also a celebration of the larger family unit. It is a time for families to come together, reunite, and strengthen their relationships. The festival also promotes the values of love, respect, and unity among family members.
The history of Raksha Bandhan dates back to ancient times and has several mythological stories associated with it. One of the most popular stories is that of Draupadi and Lord Krishna. According to the Mahabharata, Draupadi tied a piece of her saree around Lord Krishna’s wrist to stop the bleeding from a wound. Touched by her gesture, Lord Krishna promised to protect her in times of need. This story symbolizes the bond of love and protection between siblings.
Another popular legend associated with Raksha Bandhan is that of Queen Karnavati of Chittor and Emperor Humayun. During the medieval period, when Chittor was under attack, Queen Karnavati sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun, seeking his help and protection. Touched by her gesture, Emperor Humayun immediately marched to her aid and protected her kingdom. This story highlights the significance of the Rakhi as a symbol of protection.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by people of other religions in India. It is a festival that transcends religious and cultural boundaries and promotes the values of love, unity, and protection.
FAQs:
Q: When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
A: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravana, which usually falls in August.
Q: What is the significance of Raksha Bandhan?
A: Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love and protection, and brothers promise to protect their sisters in return.
Q: How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
A: Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Sisters tie a Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists, perform aarti, and feed them sweets. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them.
Q: Is Raksha Bandhan only celebrated by Hindus?
A: No, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by people of all religions in India. It is a festival that promotes the values of love, unity, and protection among family members.
Q: Are there any special rituals associated with Raksha Bandhan?
A: Yes, apart from tying the Rakhi, sisters also perform aarti for their brothers, apply a tilak on their foreheads, and feed them sweets. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them.
