Raksha Bandhan is a popular Hindu festival that is celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August). The festival celebrates the bond of love between a brother and a sister. It is a day of joy and celebration for the entire family.
Raksha Bandhan 2023 date
In 2023 Rakhi will be celebrated on 30, August, 2023. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August). This day is also known as ‘Kajari Purnima’ or ‘Shravani Purnima’. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread known as the ‘Rakhi’ around the wrist of their brothers.
History of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is believed to have originated from the Vedic period. It is said that during this period, a sister would tie a sacred thread around her brother’s wrist to protect him from evil forces. This ritual was known as ‘Raksha’ which means ‘protection’ and ‘Bandhan’ which means ‘bond’. Over time, this ritual evolved into the modern-day celebration of Raksha Bandhan.
The origins of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to various ancient myths and legends. One of the most well-known stories comes from the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. According to this legend, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, used her torn sari to bandage Lord Krishna’s finger when he cut it while beheading the demon king Shishupala. In return for her kind gesture, Lord Krishna vowed to protect her. This tale symbolizes the essence of Raksha Bandhan—protection and the bond between siblings.
Historical references to Raksha Bandhan can also be found in various accounts. During the medieval period, it was common for queens and noblewomen to send rakhis to neighboring rulers as a gesture of friendship and alliance. This practice was seen as a way to maintain peaceful relations and protect each other’s kingdoms.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond of love between a brother and sister. It is a day of joy and celebration for the entire family. The festival symbolizes the unconditional love and protection that a brother and sister share. It is also a day to remember and honour the sacrifices made by brothers for their sisters.
Raksha Bandhan, which typically falls in the month of August, is a Sanskrit term that translates to “bond of protection.” On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread, known as a rakhi, around the wrist of their brothers. In return, brothers offer gifts, blessings, and a promise to protect their sisters throughout their lives.
Beyond biological siblings, Raksha Bandhan also celebrates the bond between cousins, friends, and even close relationships that share this protective affection.
How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a sacred thread known as the ‘Rakhi’ around the wrist of their brothers. This is a symbol of their love and protection. The brother in turn, promises to protect and take care of his sister. After this, the brother and sister exchange gifts and sweets. The day is also celebrated with feasts and family gatherings.
Selecting the Perfect Rakhi
The heart of Raksha Bandhan lies in the rakhi—the sacred thread that symbolizes protection and the sibling bond. Choose a rakhi that reflects your sibling’s personality and preferences. Traditional rakhis, designer rakhis, personalized rakhis, and even handmade rakhis offer a diverse array of options to suit every taste.
Gathering Essentials
Before the festivities begin, gather all the essentials you’ll need: rakhis, sweets, gifts, a thali (tray), roli (vermilion), rice, and a diya (lamp). These items form the foundation of the rituals and create a joyous atmosphere for the celebration.
Preparing the Rakhi Thali
Arrange the items on the thali in an organized and aesthetic manner. Place the rakhi, sweets, roli, rice, and diya on the thali, creating a visual centerpiece that sets the tone for the celebrations.
Rituals and Ceremonies
The rituals of Raksha Bandhan are not just meaningful; they are a beautiful way to honor the bond between siblings. Follow these steps:
- Invite your brother/sister to sit in front of the thali.
- Perform an aarti (lighting of the lamp) to symbolize the blessing of protection and well-being.
- Apply roli and rice on your sibling’s forehead, signifying the tilak.
- Tie the rakhi around your sibling’s wrist while reciting prayers for their happiness and protection.
- Exchange gifts, symbolizing the love and appreciation you hold for each other.
- Feasting on Sweets
- No Indian festival is complete without a delectable spread of sweets. Indulge in traditional mithais like ladoos, barfis, and rasgullas. Sharing these sweets with your siblings and family members enhances the sweetness of the occasion.
Gift Exchange
Exchange gifts as a token of love and appreciation. The gifts can be thoughtful and personal, ranging from gadgets and accessories to books and personalized items. Consider your sibling’s interests and preferences while selecting a gift that resonates with them.
Modern Celebrations
While the essence of Raksha Bandhan remains unchanged, modern celebrations have evolved with time. Today, sisters and brothers separated by distance often use technology to bridge the gap. Virtual rakhis and online celebrations allow siblings to connect and celebrate despite geographical constraints.
Let us know more about the modern celebrations of Raksha Bandhan :
Virtual Rakhi Ties: Crossing Boundaries
Distance no longer hampers the celebration of Raksha Bandhan. With the advent of technology, siblings separated by miles can now share the joy of the festival through virtual rakhi ties. Video calls, live chats, and online platforms bring brothers and sisters together, enabling them to witness the rituals and exchanges despite geographical constraints. The virtual realm ensures that the threads of love are never broken, regardless of the physical distance.
E-Rakhis and Digital Gifts: The Tech Touch
As technology has seamlessly integrated into our lives, e-rakhis and digital gifts have become popular alternatives. Virtual rakhis can be shared electronically, often accompanied by heartfelt messages and digital cards. Additionally, digital gifts, ranging from e-vouchers to online subscriptions, offer practical yet thoughtful presents that resonate with the modern lifestyle.
Social Media Expressions: Sharing the Joy
Social media platforms have transformed the way we share our lives, and Raksha Bandhan is no exception. Brothers and sisters take to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase their celebrations, spreading the warmth of the festival to a wider audience. Posts, stories, and photos capture the essence of the day and allow friends and followers to join in the celebration virtually.
DIY Creative Rakhis: A Personal Touch
In a world that values personalization, many individuals are opting for handcrafted rakhis that reflect their creativity and uniqueness. DIY rakhis can be made using a variety of materials, from beads and threads to recycled items. These one-of-a-kind creations not only symbolize the bond but also showcase the effort and thought put into the celebration.
Sibling Get-Togethers: Uniting Hearts
Modern celebrations of Raksha Bandhan often involve sibling get-togethers, where brothers and sisters, along with their families, come together to celebrate the festival. These gatherings offer an opportunity to relive cherished memories, create new traditions, and strengthen family ties.
Charitable Rakhis: Spreading Goodwill
In the spirit of giving back, many people are opting for charitable rakhis. These rakhis are often associated with causes and organizations, with a portion of the proceeds going toward supporting those in need. This modern twist on Raksha Bandhan combines celebration with philanthropy, spreading goodwill and love to a broader community.
Summary
Raksha Bandhan is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of love between a brother and sister. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August). On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread known as the ‘Rakhi’ around the wrist of their brothers. This is a symbol of their love and protection. The brother in turn, promises to protect and take care of his sister.
The festival symbolizes the unconditional love and protection that a brother and sister share. It is also a day to remember and honour the sacrifices made by brothers for their sisters.
You can explore other festivals such as Dwijing and Kumbh Mela.