Raksha Bandhan Festival

The holy thread of love and protection, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the month of Shravana mostly in the northern and western parts of India. During the festival, sisters tie a colorful band to her brother's wrist, which is also known as Rakhi, showing touching sentiments for one another. It fortifies the bond between the brothers and sisters. Like other festivals, this one also has some rites and customs attached to it which are seen with great sacred zeal. It is not only the bond that represents the affection of the brother-sister relation, but as well friendship and presenting something to each other.

Tying of sacred thread on the brother's wrist, it is a day when they go out to get the best stuff for each other. From trendy Rakhis, sweets to chocolates, all these create never-ending bond between brothers and sisters. If a boy doesn't have a sister, then girl from his relations tie Rakhi on his wrist, displaying her love for him.

Once the Rakhi is tied around the wrist, the sister states a prayer for the happiness, joy, safety and prosperity for her brother. The sister also organizes the pooja thali that includes chawal, sweets, diya and roli. It is a superb opportunity for everyone to celebrate. All those who don't get time to get-together on this day because of some reasons can send Rakhi cards or messages for showing their feelings and love.

  • Date: August 03, 2020

History

Rakhi has many myths connected to it like other festivals of India. There are some myths you might have not heard before.

The most important evidence in history is the tale of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun. Dating back to 1535 CE, Rani Karnavati, Rajputs were battling against Muslims. During that era, Rakhi meant a sacred binding of thread and affection of sisters for her brothers. When Rani, widowed queen of the king of Chittor, came to know that there was no way to protect her army from the invasion of the sultan of Gujarat, Bahdaur Shah, the queen decided to send the Rakhi to Emperor Humayun. He got enthused by such gesture and decided to defend Chittor with his army.

Another mythology is of Yama and the Yamuna. Their tale stands for the pure brother-sister affection and sacrifice. It offers every man the excellent view to consider every lady as sister or mother. According to the mythology, Yamuna tied a thread of protection and love to her brother's hand and bestowed mortality. Yama, the god of death was touched by the harmony of the festival and said that whosoever ties a Rakhi from his sister will attain the never-ending protection.

The sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan has its mention in Mahabharta when Draupadi tied a band of love and affection around Krishna's wrist. It is also deemed that that Kunti tied Rakhi on her grandson Abhimanyu's hand, in prior to the battle.

People from different religions and faiths celebrate this auspicious festival on a full moon day which falls in the month of July or August. According to the folklore, it provides spiritual reasons to celebrate the occasion. With major transforms in life, this sacred Raksha Bandhan festival has gone through scores of changes.

Raksha Bandhan has kept its splendor and revered sensation in modern times also. Everyone should celebrate this sacred festival of Rakhi with great enthusiasm and fidelity!!

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