Raksha Bandhan is a popular festival celebrated across Bharat and in many other parts of the world where the Indian diaspora resides. People from all walks of life participate in this festival with utmost fervor and enthusiasm. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month Shravana (Shravana Poornima) which also coincides with Upa-karma (changing the sacred thread for the brahmins, Avani Avittom in South India). This year, Rakhi will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with the auspicious period for tying the Rakhi being 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM. The festival is also called as Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal Poornima and Kajari Poornima in different states and is celebrated differently.

The term, ‘Raksha Bandhan’, derived from the Sanskrit words "Raksha" (protection) and "Bandhan" (bond), is a traditional Bharatiya festival that symbolizes the brother’s commitment to care, protect, and support one’s sister. In Nepal, it's known as "Janai Purnima," where men change their sacred thread, and sisters tie Rakhis to their brothers.

Raksha Bandhan - A Monsoon Festival

Raksha Bandhan is a monsoon festival, which has a deeper meaning. The rainy season eradicates all the filth and difficulties of life. The season gives us affluence and a new hope to relish life to its fullest. That is why the Shravan month is considered as holy to celebrate the untainted bondage of love between siblings and the advent of good fortune.

Mythological, Historical, and Cultural Context

Historically, Raksha Bandhan has its roots in ancient Indian traditions and mythology, often reflecting stories of loyalty, protection, and mutual respect. The act of a sister tying a Rakhi (a sacred thread) on her brother's wrist has long been seen as a gesture of love and prayer for his well-being, while the brother pledges to protect and support her throughout life.

Over time, the festival has evolved, expanding beyond its original familial framework. It now often symbolizes the broader values of unity, trust, and commitment in human relationships, making it a culturally significant observance with contemporary relevance.

·      As per Bhavishya Purana, Indra the King of Devas was advised by Deva Guru Brihaspati to wear a Rakhi as a protection against enemies (Demons) when he was facing defeat at the hands of Vritra Asura. Accordingly, Sachi Devi (consort of Indra) tied a Rakhi to Indra.

·       Another legend from the Bhagavat Puran and Vishnu Puran narrates how after Vishnu defeats King Bali and conquers the three worlds, King Bali requests Vishnu to live in his palace. Vishnu's wife, Goddess Lakshmi, disapproves of this arrangement and ties a Rakhi on King Bali, making him her brother. Touched by this gesture, King Bali grants her a wish, and Lakshmi asks for Vishnu's return home. 

·       In another story, Ganesh's sister, Devi Manasa, visits him on Raksha Bandhan and ties a Rakhi on his wrist. This inspires Ganesh's sons, Shubh and Labh, who desire to participate in the Raksha Bandhan celebration but feel left out without a sister. They persuade Ganesh to grant them a sister, leading to the creation of Santoshi Maa. From then on, the three siblings celebrate Raksha Bandhan together each year. 

·       Krishna and Draupadi, known for their strong friendship, share a significant moment during Raksha Bandhan. When Krishna injures his finger in battle, Draupadi tears a piece of her sari to bandage his wound. Touched by her act of love, Krishna promises to repay her kindness. Later, Krishna fulfills his promise by coming to Draupadi's aid during a critical moment. 

·       Additionally, in the epic Mahabharat, Draupadi ties Rakhi to Krishna before he leaves to fight in the great war. Similarly, Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, ties a Rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu before he embarks on his own battle. 

These stories highlight the rich cultural significance and diverse narratives associated with Raksha Bandhan, showcasing the deep bonds of love and protection that exist beyond biological relationships.

Historically, it is said that when Alexander was defeated at the hands of the great Hindu King Purushottam of Punjab, Alexander’s wife tied a Rakhi to Purushottam to protect her husband from being slain. During the days of Emperor Humayun, it is believed that Rani Karnavati (Queen of Chittor) had sent a Rakhi to emperor Humayun to get protection from Bahadur Shah who was invading her kingdom. Despite being of a different religion, he rushed to her help.

Importance of Raksha Bandhan for Fishers

The festival of Raksha Bandhan has greater importance among the fishing communities of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Goa who observe the celebration of the festival of Rakhi via various rites. The fishing community wholly relies on the sea for their livelihood. The sea water and fish are positively affected by the monsoon season. Therefore, the festivity of Nariyal Purnima is an effort to please God Varuna.

According to another mythological reference, Rakhi was intended to be the worship of the sea-God Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut to Varuna, after ceremonial bathing at waterfronts. Typically, fishermen offer coconut and Rakhi to the Sea God Varuna – this festival is known as Nariyal Poornima.

How to celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

The festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, emphasizing love, duty, and respect. On this festival sisters generally apply tilak to the forehead of their brothers, tie the sacred thread called Rakhi to the wrist of their brothers and do Arati and pray for their good health & long life. This thread, which represents love and sublime sentiments, is called the ‘Raksha Bandhan’ means ‘a bond of protection’. The brother in return offers a gift to his sister and vows to look after her.  Before tying a Rakhi on their brothers hand the sisters first tie a Rakhi on the Tulasi plant and another Rakhi on the peepal tree asking for the protection of nature – Vriksha Raksha Bandhan. On the day of the Raksha Bandhan festival, families come together and celebrate unity. Raksha Bandhan festival celebrates the values of love, care, and protection. It serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with familial relationships.

The day is filled with joy and laughter, and its preparations start weeks before as sisters select Rakhis, often personalized with their brother's favorite colors or symbols, while brothers choose gifts for their sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a time for family reunions, sharing stories, and playing games. Families also prepare traditional sweets like laddoos and barfis and plan a special meal together.

|