Raksha Bandhan (bond of protection, obligation and care) is one of the most popular Hindu festival is observed as the day to honor the sacred relationship between brothers and sisters known also as Brother and Sister Festival. According to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan falls on the last day of the lunar calendar month of Shravan. In 2023, Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) will be celebrated on 30th August (Wednesday). This also coincides with the Upa-Karma, which is the sacred ceremony of Brahmins when they change the Yagnopaveetam (sacred thread worn across the chest). 

Importance of Raksha Bandhan Festival:

Raksha Bandhan holds immense importance as it symbolizes the natural affection, love, and protection that siblings have for each other. This festival not only strengthens the bond between siblings but also fosters a sense of unity, love, and respect within the family. It serves as a reminder of the values of love, respect, loyalty, trust, and support that are essential in any relationship. Raksha Bandhan brings families together and reinforce the significance of the sibling bond. It is a celebration of the strong bond of love and also a cherished tradition that brings joy and happiness to all those involved in the celebration.

Raksha Bandhan History and Significance:

The origin of Raksha Bandhan goes as far as the era of Gods and Goddesses. According to Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, Lord Vishnu decided to stay in demon King Bali palace after winning the three worlds from him. Vishnu’s wife was against the decision. So she went to King Bali and tied a Rakhi and made him her brother. When King Bali wanted to offer gift. She asked him to send back her Lord to Vaikuntha.

According to a popular legend, when Krishna got a cut his finger, Krishna's wife, Queen Rukmini, sent someone to get some cloth and Haldi powder. However, his sister Draupadi saw the incident, and she cuts off a part of her saree’s pallu and ties it around his finger to stop the bleeding. Krishna, in return, promised to protect her all the time.

Another incident that happened during medieval time highlights the significance of a brother’s promise to his sister. When under attack by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, Rani Karnavati of Mewar sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun to seek help from him. Touched by the request of a Hindu sister, the Mughal ruler abandoned his military operation and rushed to help the queen without wasting any time.

Rabindranath Tagore started Rakhi Mahotsav, a mass Raksha Bandhan festival, protest against the decision of British viceroy Curzon to divide Bengal of religious grounds in 1905 and instill a feeling of togetherness harmony, solidarity and love between Hindus and Muslims of Bengal.

Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi

Raksha Bandhan involves a significant ritual known as the Pooja Vidhi. It commences with the preparation of a small Pooja Thali containing a Diya (oil lamp), Roli (vermilion powder), rice grains, sweets, and Rakhi. Sisters perform an Aarti, waving the lamp in a circular motion in front of their brothers, and apply a tilak of Roli on their foreheads. They then tie the Rakhi around the brother’s wrist. This symbolizes the brother’s lifelong vow to protect her.  Then they feed sweets to the brothers, with their hands and offer prayers for his well-being and prosperity. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and promise to protect them from all adversities. The Pooja Vidhi creates a spiritual atmosphere, strengthening the bond between siblings and reinforcing the significance of Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of love and protection.

Once the Rakhi has been tied, the sister says a prayer for the well being of her brother’s good health, prosperity and happiness. 

                                              Raksha Bandhan Mantra 

येन बद्धो वली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः ।
तेन त्वा प्रतिबध्नामि रक्षे माचल माचल ॥

Meaning: I am tying on your hand the same Raksha thread, with which the most powerful and generous King Bali himself was bound. With the force and energy of this sacred thread, all the Gods will stand by your side and keep you strong, healthy and wealthy forever.

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