RAKSHA BANDHAN

Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is usually observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which typically falls in August.

The festival involves the tying of a rakhi, which is a sacred thread, by a sister on the wrist of her brother. The rakhi is a symbol of the sister's love and affection towards her brother, and also serves as a symbol of protection, as the brother promises to protect his sister from all harm.

During Raksha Bandhan, sisters prepare special sweets and dishes for their brothers and perform aarti, which involves lighting a lamp and waving it in front of the brother's face. The brother, in turn, gives gifts and promises to protect his sister and take care of her.

Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated by people who are not biologically related, as a symbol of love and brotherhood. The festival promotes unity, love, and harmony among people, and is an important cultural tradition in India.

History of Rakshabandhan

The history of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to ancient India, and the festival has been celebrated in various forms and with different rituals over the centuries.

One of the earliest references to Raksha Bandhan can be found in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. According to the legend, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tied a piece of her saree on the wrist of Lord Krishna to stop the bleeding from a cut. Lord Krishna was touched by this gesture and promised to protect her from all harm.

Another legend associated with Raksha Bandhan is that of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. According to the story, King Bali was a demon king who had become invincible due to a boon granted by Lord Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, approached Lord Vishnu and asked him to help the gods defeat King Bali. Lord Vishnu agreed and went to King Bali disguised as a Brahmin. King Bali was pleased with the Brahmin's devotion and asked him to make a wish. Lord Vishnu then revealed his true identity and asked King Bali to give him as much land as he could cover in three steps. King Bali agreed, and Lord Vishnu covered the entire earth and the heavens in just two steps. He then placed his foot on King Bali's head and banished him to the netherworld. Goddess Lakshmi then tied a rakhi on Lord Vishnu's wrist and declared him her brother.

Over time, Raksha Bandhan has become a celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India and in other parts of the world as well.

What to do on Rakshabandhan?

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Here are some traditional things to do on Raksha Bandhan:

Tying of Rakhi: The highlight of Raksha Bandhan is the tying of a rakhi by the sister on the wrist of her brother. The rakhi is a sacred thread that symbolizes the bond between siblings. The brother then promises to protect his sister from all harm.

Exchange Gifts: On Raksha Bandhan, siblings exchange gifts as a symbol of their love and affection. Brothers usually give gifts to their sisters, while sisters also prepare special dishes for their brothers.

Perform Aarti: Sisters perform aarti, which involves lighting a lamp and waving it in front of their brother's face. This ritual is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the brother from harm.

Spend Time Together: Raksha Bandhan is a great opportunity for siblings to spend time together and strengthen their bond. You can plan a special activity or outing to celebrate the occasion.

Connect with Distant Siblings: If you are unable to meet your sibling in person, you can still celebrate Raksha Bandhan by sending them a rakhi and gifts through mail or online delivery services. You can also connect with them through video calls or phone calls.

Raksha Bandhan is a joyous occasion that celebrates the special bond between siblings. It is a time to express your love and affection for your siblings and to strengthen your relationship with them.