Raksha Bandhan: Date, Significance and Value of Most Celebrated Festival of Hinduism

Raksha Bandhan is a vital Hindu festival. It is dedicated to the lovely and pious bond of brothers and sisters.

Namaste!

Welcome to the oasis of delightful readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today we are going to talk about the most celebrated and happening festival of Hindu culture. Also, Raksha Bandhan is an important festival since the time of gods and goddesses. Let’s learn about it in detail.

Introduction

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindi word which means a bond of protection. And, it is also called Rakhi or Rakhdi in many parts of the world. On this auspicious day, sisters tie a thread on her brother’s wrist and pray for his long and prosperous life. In return, the brother gives her a gift or money as a token of love to his loving sister.

When is Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan is the most enthusiastic and a festival of making bonds stronger between siblings. It is celebrated on Purnima of Shrawan Mas of Hindu Panchang. This year, it is falling on 19 August 2024 (Monday).

Shubh Muhurat of Raksha Bandhan

Shubh Muhurat to tie rakhi on Raksha Bandhan is as follows:

Raksha Bandhan Bhadra start time- 01:30 PM

Raksha Bandhan Bhadra end time – 09:08 PM

Infact, it is advised by astrologers and sages to not to tie Rakhi in Bhadra time as it is inauspicious.

However, the purnima will be celebrated as per tithi as :

Purnima Tithi will start at 03 : 04 AM on Aug 19, 2024. And, Purnima Tithi will end at 11:55 PM on Aug 19, 2024.

As per the Astrologers, the best time to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan is during Aparahna which is late afternoon according to Hindu division of the day. However, if it is inauspicious to tie rakhi in Bhadra kaal, the rituals are performed after it is over.

Many of you must be confused what is this Bhadra Kaal. I explain you what is bhadra kaal?

Actually, bhadra kaal is the time period of the day according to Hindu calender which is considered unfortunate for any prosperous ànd shubh work or event. Apparently, it is believed that Shuparnkha tied rakhi to Ravana during Bhadra kaal which made him ended his life.

1. Story behind Raksha Bandhan

Moreover, Raksha Bandhan, an auspicious brother–sister festival has its roots from the time of Mahabharata. As per the epic, once Lord Krishna cut his finger while using his Sudarshan Chakra against King Shishupal. His finger started bleeding. Draupadi noticed it. Immediately, she then tied a piece of cloth from her saree to stop the bleeding.

Considering, the cloth as a sacred thread, Lord Krishna then promised her to save and protect her from all evils throughout his life.

2. Story behind Raksha Bandhan

According to Bhavishya Puran, once there was a fierce battle between gods and devils for 12 years. Lord Indra sought the advice of Brihaspati Dev to vanquish Demons during the war. Indra was advised to tie a sacred thread powered by Mantra on his wrist on the day of Shravan Purnima. Lord Indra’s wife, Queen Sachi, also known as Indrani tied the thread.

Hence, the power of thread (raksha) saved the Gods and they won the battle.

3. Story behind Raksha Bandhan

The auspicious festival has a reference in story of yama and yami, children of lord Sun. On shrawan maas purnima, Yamuna tied Rakhi to Yam and bestowed immortality to him. On this, Yam was overwhelmed. Then, he declared that a Rakhi as a purest and loveliest bond between sister and her brother.

4. Story behind Raksha Bandhan

Further, there is an intersting story of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. Once when Lord Vishnu was happy with King Bali devotion and service he bestowed him immortality, love, happiness and kingdom

And he decided to be a doorman for King Bali he then abundant his Vaikunth and started living with king Bali. Thus, on this goddess Lakshmi went to earth and tied a Rakhi on the wrist of king Bali and ask the return of Lord Vishnu as a gift.

Other stories

Historically speaking, It is said that when Alexander invaded India, his wife Roxana sent a sacred thread (rakhi) to Porus asking him not to harm his husband in the battle. As per traditions, Porus gave full respect to the sacred thread and when he was about to deliver the final blow to Alexander, he restrained himself from attacking personally.

As per Historians, the queen of Mewar, Maharani Karmavati sent a rakhi to Mughal King Humayun asking for protection from cruel attack of Shershah Suri. He went to save and help the widow Rajput Queen and restored the kingdom back to Queen.

Rituals of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan means the bond of protection. Also it is an auspicious festival marked annually to celebrate the meaningful bonds we share with our siblings.

Traditionally speaking , sisters tie Rakhi on their brother’s wrists and wish for a prosperous, happy and fulfilling life for their brother. In return, the brothers promise to protect and love their sisters unconditionally. Also, siblings exchange gifts and their favourite things.

Main rituals are as follow;

On this day, the sister performs her brother’s aarti and prays for his long life. Then, she ties a Rakhi on his wrist, puts tilak on his forehead, and feeds him sweets. Brothers show their affection by giving their sister a gift or money.

Conclusion

At the end, we can conclude by saying that Raksha Bandhan is a day of Bonding, love, protection and enjoyment. Enjoy this festival with your siblings and have happy and fun filled Raksha Bandhan 2024.

Have a blessed time ahead.

About Author