India is a country with rich culture and traditions, a land of fairs and festivals. One of the festivals celebrated here is Raksha Bandhan, which is the festival of brothers and sisters.
What is the meaning of Raksha Bandhan?
It falls on the Purnima or full moon day of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi, an auspicious thread, on the wrist of her brother, wishing him the best in his life.
In return, the brother bestows his sister with gifts and promises to protect her for entire life. This is an ancient festival, which has some myths and legends associated with it.
What is the meaning of Raksha Bandhan?
It falls on the Purnima or full moon day of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi, an auspicious thread, on the wrist of her brother, wishing him the best in his life.
In return, the brother bestows his sister with gifts and promises to protect her for entire life. This is an ancient festival, which has some myths and legends associated with it.
History of Happy Raksha Bandhan
The legend of Raksha Bandhan goes back to the period of Bhavishya Purana. According to the Hindu mythology, when Indra, the God of sky and rains was going for the war between Gods and Demons, his wife Shachi tied a sacred thread around his wrist for protection.
Indra emerged victorious in the war and this reinforced the magical powers of the thread, which came to be known as happy rakhi. Later, the tying of the thread changed context, from husband and wife relation to that of a brother and sister.
Indra emerged victorious in the war and this reinforced the magical powers of the thread, which came to be known as happy rakhi. Later, the tying of the thread changed context, from husband and wife relation to that of a brother and sister.
Another legend associates the festival to Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali as Lakshmi tied a rakhi to the king and made him her brother. There is another story about Lord Ganesha and his sons Shubh and Labh, who wanted a sister to tie them rakhi.
What is Rakhi festival?
It was then that Lord Ganesh created a daughter out of divine flames and she came to be known as Santoshi Maa. Draupadi also tied a rakhi to Lord Krishna and the latter protected her from the Kauravas during the Cheer Harana in Mahabharata. Besides mythology, the festival finds a place in history too.
It is said that Rani Karnavati of Chittor sent a rakhi to King Humayun asking for his help during the invasion on her kingdom. True to the honor of rakhi, Humayun set off his troops to help her overthrow the invasion.
There is also a story of King Alexander’s wife sending a rakhi to King Porus. In return, Porus refrained from killing Alexander in the battlefield. Centries later to these legends, the festival continues to be celebrated with the same joy and devotion.
What is Rakhi festival?
It was then that Lord Ganesh created a daughter out of divine flames and she came to be known as Santoshi Maa. Draupadi also tied a rakhi to Lord Krishna and the latter protected her from the Kauravas during the Cheer Harana in Mahabharata. Besides mythology, the festival finds a place in history too.
It is said that Rani Karnavati of Chittor sent a rakhi to King Humayun asking for his help during the invasion on her kingdom. True to the honor of rakhi, Humayun set off his troops to help her overthrow the invasion.
There is also a story of King Alexander’s wife sending a rakhi to King Porus. In return, Porus refrained from killing Alexander in the battlefield. Centries later to these legends, the festival continues to be celebrated with the same joy and devotion.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan
Literally translated, Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi means the sacred thread of protection and this is the very meaning and significance of this festival. It reinforces the bonding and love between brothers and sisters.
Every year, sisters tie this sacred knot on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their honor, prosperity and well being. Brothers, in return, promise to stand by them, whatever may be the circumstances.
It is not essentially celebrated by biological siblings, but also cousins and sometimes, friends. The festival affirms the family ties in many Hindu families living in India and around the world.
Every year, sisters tie this sacred knot on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their honor, prosperity and well being. Brothers, in return, promise to stand by them, whatever may be the circumstances.
It is not essentially celebrated by biological siblings, but also cousins and sometimes, friends. The festival affirms the family ties in many Hindu families living in India and around the world.
When is Raksha Bandhan ?
This year, the festival of Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 3th August 2020, which falls on Monday.
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