What Is Raksha Bandhan
RB is one of India's oldest festivals, honouring the sacred bond between a brother and a sister. This festival is held on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Shravana month.
The date is based on the Indian Panchang (Local Calendar is based on lunar month). The dates change every year due to the Moon's position.
This celebration honours a brother's devotion to his sister. Sisters in this festival tie Rakhi on their brothers' wrists to protect them from difficulties and for long lives and happiness.
They, in turn, offer a gift in exchange for a commitment to safeguarding their sisters from danger. Sacred feelings and well wishes are contained within these Rakhis.
It's an old tradition that honours the bond between brother and sister and signifies his promise to protect her.
Raksha Bandhan 2021 Date
On Sunday, August 22, 2020, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated for the first time.
Raksha Bandhan meaning
Raksha Bandhan literally means "bond of Protection." It comes from the Sanskrit term rakhi, which refers to a thread bracelet or amulet that sisters tie around their brothers' wrists as a token of gratitude for their protection.
Raksha Bandhan in Punjab?
Raksha Bandhan introduced as a method to signify the bond between groups of people in the northern Indian state of Punjab. Punjab fought against neighbouring armies frequently because it is a border state.
As a result, Raksha Bandhan primarily represented the relationship that existed between the Punjabi army and the people of the state it defended.
Over time, the event in Punjab grew to include a celebration of the brother-sister bond.
Origins of Raksha Bandhan
There are many stories related to the origins of this festival. Some of famous stories described here :
Lord Krishna is said to have been wounded by a sharp weapon once. Draupadi, the Pandavas' wife, tore a portion of her sari and bandaged Madhav's finger at that time.
Shri Krishna promised to protect Panchali if she ever got herself into trouble in return for this courtesy.
When the Kauravas tried to humiliate Panchali by stripping down her in front of her husbands in a court full of courtiers, Krishna accepted it as the 'Raksha Sutra.'
Draupadi's sari grew endless with Krishna's blessings as Dushasana sought to undress her.
Shri Krishna saved Panchali in the same way that a brother protects a sister from all dangers.
As a result, the tradition of binding a rakhi has been passed down through the generations.
Lord Indra's tale is another interesting one. He requested his guru, or counsellor, Brihaspati for support as he was about to be defeated during the battle between the gods and demons.
Brihaspati told him to wrap himself in a sacred thread. Indra's wife, Indrani, tied the thread around Brihaspati's wrist, and the gods won.
Another legend includes Bali, a demon king. Lord Vishnu was asked to protect his kingdom, so he left his home to stay at Bali's palace.
Vishnu's wife disguised herself and went to Bali's palace, where she tied a thread around Bali's wrist.
She revealed that she was the wife of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi. She told her grief without Lord in Baikunth.
Bali was pleased by her devotion to her husband and asked Vishnu to take her to his home.
Early Preparations for Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan falls on the full moon in Sravana, the Hindu lunar calendar's 5th month. Raksha Bandhan happens on August 11, 2022, this year.
The sister collects a number of items required for the Raksha Bandhan ritual prior to the ceremony before the full moon rises:
- Threads for Rakhi (silken threads of red and golden)
- Kumkum powder (applied in the middle of the forehead)
- Diya (a lamp used in rituals)
- Agarbattis (incense sticks)
- Sweets
The items she collects on a big plate are referred to as thali.
On the Occasion of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the renewal and strengthening of the fraternal link of peace and love.
At the beginning of the day, all family members give offerings to their respective gods.
The sister then performs prayer and applies Kumkum powder to her brother's forehead while she binds the Rakhi around his wrist.
She prays for his well-being, and he responds by promising to protect her. Sacred verses from Hindu scriptures are also read throughout the ritual.
After binding the Rakhi, the sister is supposed to put something sweet in her brother's mouth. In return, he offers her money and gift.
Celebrating Raksha Bandhan
Bracelets for Rakhi
Rakhi (bracelets) can be made at home by knitting thread and ribbon together. Beads can be used to make them more decorative and attractive.
Sweets
Like other festivals, Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated with food, both salty and sweet. There are many traditional dishes, each with its own set of favourites.
Confectionery made with nuts and aromatic spices can be prepared and served and is a wonderful gift. You might want to give some of the recipes a try.
Raksha Bandhan is a joyous occasion because of its sentiments. Giving cards, sweets, flowers, or other gifts to family and friends is common.
Flowers
Without colorful flowers, no festival would be complete. They're used to decorate and give as gifts.
Homemade flowers made of bright tissue paper can also add a splash of colour to a place.
Greetings by Card
Because many Indian families have friends and relatives all across the world, sending cards to wish them a happy Raksha Bandhan has become a tradition.
You can also send a variety of Raksha Bandhan cards by email.
Celebrate Loving Bonds
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that highlights the importance of preserving family relationships.
You may join in the celebration and celebrate with your friends and family by honouring the relationships you have with them.
Kindness is also a big part of Hindu culture. To show your appreciation and gratitude, invite those you care about and give them simple gifts and sweets.
Raksha Bandhan Quotes
I'm grateful to God for blessing me with a brother - Happy Raksha Bandhan
I'll never forget the times we spent together ~ Happy Raksha Bandhan
I'm fortunate to have a brother who is always caring about my well-being. Bhai, Happy Raksha Bandhan
Bhaiya mere rakhi ke bandhan ko nibahana! Brother, I wish you a happy Raksha Bandhan
भैया मेरे राखी के बंधन को निभाना ! रक्षा बंधन की शुभकामनाएँ
We may be separated by miles, but we will never be separated by a heart. On this Raksha Bandhan, I'm sending you lots of love and sweets. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
Happy Raksha Bandhan to the most annoying person on the planet, who also happens to be the person I love the most. Many greetings and sweets are on their way to you!
Raksha Bandhan Quotes
