Raksha Bandhan is one of the most important festivals celebrated in all over India enduring the bond between siblings. The name Raksha Bandhan itself holds a deep meaning, Raksha which means protection and Bandhan signifies a bond. The festival is the epitome of the cherished relationship between sister and brother emphasizing the importance of safeguarding one another.
The tradition of Raksha Bandhan involves a simple yet heartfelt ritual. Sisters tie a thread, called “Rakhi”, around the brother’s wrists, symbolizing their love, care, and protection. In return, the brother promises to protect their sister throughout their lives and offers gifts to them. Rakhi is not, merely a piece of thread but it holds a deep emotional and cultural significance, marking it as the bond of trust and responsibility that siblings share.
The festival is not only narrowed to just one region of the country, it is celebrated with diverse customs and rituals across the country. In the western part of India Raksha Bandhan is linked with the story of Shree Krishna and Draupadi, highlighting the protective bond between them they shared in Mahabharata. In the south, the festival is observed as Avani Avittam.
Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of sibling love, care, and protection that goes beyond biological ties. The festival sets an unbreakable bond that siblings share and emphasizes the importance of Protecting and supporting one another. Raksha Bandhan intertwines the hearts of siblings, symbolizing a promise to be there for each other through thick and thin.
Why Rakhsa Bandhan is Celebrated
Raksha Bandhan is a major festival of Hindus celebrated annually on the full moon day in the month of Shravan according to the Hindu Lunar calendar. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a great festival of brothers and sisters. On this great day sisters and brothers come together to express their love for each other and also pray for their well-being of each other. The sisters tie a knot of Rakhi on the wrist of her brother, in return the brother gives gifts to sisters and promises to protect his sister from evil anytime. Raksha Bandhan marks the love between siblings.
Why Raksha Bandhan is celebrated late this year
Every year, Rakha Bandhan is celebrated on the last day of the month of Shawan, which is a Full Moon Day. But due to an extra month which falls between the sawan month and due to which sawan month was considered for two full months. That’s why Raksha Bandhan is celebrated late on 30th August, 2023 because full moon day of sawan falls on this day.
History of Raksha Bandhan
It is mentioned in Bhagavad Purana and Vishnu Puran, that Lord Vishnu conquers the three worlds from King Bali and after the great King Bali asks Lord Vishnu to stay in his palace. Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu’s wife, was not happy, as she did not have any reason to stay in King Bali’s Palace. Then, she happily tied a Rakhi on King Bali hand making him her brother. From then, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a sign of love between siblings.
In which state Raksha Bandhan is Celebrated
Raksha Bandhan festival is mainly celebrated by the Hindus in the northern and western parts of India.
Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana are the states where Raksha Bandhan festival are celebrated as a major festival.
In which state Raksha Bandhan is not celebrated
Usually, Raksha Bandhan is a festival which is not celebrated by South Indians.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the states where Raksha Bandhan is not celebrated.
Importance of Rakhi
Rakhi signifies the unconditional love between brothers and sisters.
What is the Raksha Bandhan puja Vidhi?
Ans:- To start with the Raksha Bandhan Celebration in a ritualistic way, the way Rakhi should be offered to Lord Shree Ganesha. The sisters apply tilak to the brother’s Forehead. Next, they do is she tie Rakhi to her brother’s right Wrist. Sisters Offer some sweets to their brother. The Next they do is to perform the exchange ceremony. In some states the sister applies tilak to sisters-in-law and ttiesthem a Lumba on the left bangle of their sister-in-law’s hand, offering some sweets to eat. Then the sister-in-law gives Pagalagai to the sister as a gift for Raksha Bandhan.
Are bank closed on Raksha Bandhan
Yes, all the banks are closed on Raksha Bandhan.
Are banks opened on Raksha Bandhan
No, banks are not opened on Raksha Bandhan.
Who started Raksha Bandhan
Goddess Laxmi started Raksha Bandhan by tying rakhi to king Bali and making him her brother.
What is the story behind Raksha Bandhan
It is mentioned in Bhagavad Purana and Vishnu Puran, that Lord Vishnu conquers the three worlds from King Bali and after the great King Bali asks Lord Vishnu to stay in his palace. Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu’s wife, was not happy , as she did not have any reason to stay in King Bali’s Palace. Then, She happily tied a rakhi on King Bali hand making him her brother. From then, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a sign of love between siblings.
When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated in 2021
In 2021, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated on 22 August, 2021
When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated in 2022
In 2022, Raksha Bandhan was celebrated on 11 August, 2022
When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated in 2023
In 2023, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 30 August, 2023
When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated in 2024
In 2024, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 19th August, 2024
Famous Raksha Bandhan songs
- Behan ne Bhai ki kalai se
- Bhaiya mere Rakhi ke Bandhan ko nibhana
- Mere bhaiya, Mere Chanda
- Ye Rakhi Bandhan hai aisa
- Phoolon ka taron ka sabka kehna h
Raksha Bandhan famous Sweets
Gulab jamun, Ladoo, Rasmalai and Barfi are the famous Sweets of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan famous Food
Kheer, Tandoori Aloo Tikka, Vegetable Biryani, Paneer Tikka, Chole Kulcha, Malpua, Chola Bhatora are some of the famous food of Raksha Bandhan.
Raksha Bandhan Muhurat 2023
According to Hindu Panchang, Because of Bhadra Kaal, which will end at 9 pm on 30th August. Raksha Bandhan shubh muhurat will start from 9:01 pm on 30 August 2023 and will end at 7:05 am on 31st August. People will have to tie the rakhi in this shubh muhurat only.
Type of Rakhi
Rakhi Are of many types. Some of them are the following
- Zari work Rakhi
- Flowery rakhi
- Cartoon Rakhi
- Swastik Rakhi
- Silver Rakhi
- Gold rakhi
- American Diamond Rakhi
- Kundan Rakhi
- Pearl Rakhi
- Bracelet Rakhi
Which Rakhi is best
In my opinion, silver Rakhi and Rakhi with God pictures like Ganesha Rakhi, om rakhi, sai baba rakhi, etc..are the best Rakhi.
Read More About Festivals in India
FAQ’s -Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raksha Bandhan in Short?
The tradition of Raksha Bandhan involves a simple yet heartfelt ritual. Sisters tie a thread, called “Rakhi”, around the brother’s wrists, symbolizing their love, care, and protection. In return, the brother promises to protect their sister throughout their lives and offers gifts to them. Rakhi is not, merely a piece of thread but it holds a deep emotional and cultural significance, marking it as the bond of trust and responsibility that siblings share.
What is Rakhi’s full form?
The Rakhi word is the Short form of Raksha Bandhan, The festival majorly celebrated in India as bond of love between Brothers and sisters in Hindu religion.
Is Raksha Bandhan a bond of love?
The festival is the epitome of the cherished relationship between sister and brother emphasizing the importance of safeguarding one another.
When is Raksha Bandhan 2023 Celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the date 30th of August 2023 in India.
On which hand should we tie the Rakhi?
According to the Hindu customs and traditions Rakhi is tied on the right hand of the brothers.
Who tied Rakhi First?
There are many stories related to Raksha Bandhan one of the famous stories is related to the Hindu Mythology of Mahabharata. In Mahabharata, Lord Krishna once had a curtis finger which then started bleeding, seeing this Draupadi then tore a piece of cloth from her Saree and tied it on the finger of Lord Krishna. Considering the cloth she tied, Lord Krishna promised her that he would be his savior and would protect her from all evils throughout his life. When the Kauravas try to disrobe Draupadiby dragging her to the court and manhandling her, Lord Krishana Salvages her dignity by providing measureless reams of cloth to keep her covered. The act of Draupadi tying a piece of cloth on Krishna’s wounded finger is termed Raksha Bandhan.
When should we remove Rakhi?
The Rakhi can be removed the next day or purely depends on the person when he wants to untie the Rakhi. People opt to wear Rakhi as long as it is in good condition after Raksha Bandhan.
Do Muslims and Christians celebrate Raksha Bandhan too?
The festival does follow many traditions and rituals, but none of these customs and Indian traditions depict that the festival of Raksha Bandhan has religious restrictions. None of the Indian customs has mentioned that Muslims or Christians cannot celebrate these festivals. It has been observed that many Muslims and Christians tie Rakhi on their wrist.
Can we tie Rakhi to our sister?
Yes why not. The story of Indra and Indrani is famous “wife tied Rakhi to husband for protection”. The festivals have no restrictions. Also, it has been observed that sisters who have no brothers tie Rakhi to each other and celebrate this festival.
What is eco-friendly Rakhi?
Rakhi made without chemicals and plastics that do not harm the environment are Friendly Rakhi.
In which direction should the brother sit during the rakhi puja ceremony?
During the Rakhi ritual, brothers should sit facing east direction, believed to bring new opportunities in their lives.
Which God is worshipped on Raksha Bandhan?
God Varuna (the God of the sea) and God Indra (the God of rain) are worshipped on Raksha Bandhan. But owing to India’s diverse cultural, and religious differences and traditions, different regions of India worship different Gods on Raksha Bandhan.
Are Rakhi’s only meant to be tied to brothers?
No, the festival symbolizes a sacred thread that celebrates the bond between the people who love are care for each other; the Rakhi can be tied to your Sister-in-law, sister, brother-in-law, and any other person who shares the same bond.
Why is the right hand used to tie Rakhi?
The right hand is considered auspicious by our Hindu culture and tradition, keeping in mind that the Rakhi is tied with the most empowering hand which is the Right hand.
Is Raksha Bandhan widely celebrated in South India too?
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated widely in India and hence is celebrated in south India as well.
Can we eat before tying Rakhi?
No as per the customs, one should perform a small puja and offer prayers before tying Rakhi. After this, we can eat.
Who gave Rakhi to Krishna?
Lord Krishna once cut his finger from Sudarshan Chakra which led to bleeding, seeing Draupadi then tore a piece of cloth from her Saree and tied it on the finger of Lord Krishna.