Raksha Bandhan 2023: Date, Timing, Rituals, and much more!

A celebration of brotherly and sisterly love, Raksha Bandhan is one of the most essential and cherished festivals celebrated worldwide. This festival of love and joy is celebrated every year by people worldwide as a reminder of love, joy, and emotional connections. People celebrate Raksha Bandhan in the month of Shravana, which is usually observed on the Full Moon night or Purnima. If you’re wondering “when is Raksha Bandhan”, then here is your answer: this year, Raksha Bandhan is supposed to be celebrated on 30th August, and the Raksha Bandhan 2023 Muhurat time falls after the Raksha Bandhan Bhadra time.

It is believed that the Bhadra falls during the first half of the Purnima Tithi and is an inauspicious time. The Raksha Bandhan Bhadra is ending at 09:01 PM, so people must celebrate Rakhi between 09:01 PM on the 30th of August and 07:05 AM on the 31st of August, which is the Raksha Bandhan 2023 Muhurat time. Read more to find out what is Raksha Bandhan, why we celebrate Raksha Bandhan, the mythological stories behind it, and the rituals surrounding it:

What is Raksha Bandhan?

One of the most popular and loved festivals, Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan, is a celebration of love and unity between people regardless of gender, age, and relations. While in earlier times, Rakhi would specifically be observed by sisters and brothers, times have changed, and this festival has successfully united people through the threads of love, affection, unity, loyalty, and protection.

The term “Raksha Bandhan” translates to “Bond of Protection” and is symbolic of the sibling-like relationship shared between cousins, friends, or peers. Moreover, anyone can tie Rakhi, or the thread of protection, to anyone they want to protect. During this special occasion, people tie the Rakhi around their loved ones’ wrists, pray for security and stability, and receive blessings and affection in return.

Why Do We Celebrate Raksha Bandhan in India?

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Raksha Bandhan? What is the significance of this festival? What is the message behind tying a Rakhi? Well, we’re here to answer all your questions! According to the history of Raksha Bandhan, this auspicious occasion came into existence as an act of appreciation and affection between brothers and sisters. This festival celebrates the strong relationship between brothers and sisters, and at this age and time, exists as a reminder that people can form sibling-like relationships even with people they don’t share blood relations with. 

Raksha Bandhan is rooted in the cultural threads of India and symbolises protection and love, cultural traditions such as celebrating the purity of sibling love and strengthening bonds between people. This festival reminds us that people should not shy away from expressing their love for their friends and family and should always find it in their hearts to showcase their appreciation and affection for their loved ones. Moreover, Raksha Bandhan is also known for promoting gender equality and showcasing that love is not limited to gender and is not just about the relationship between brothers and sisters.

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What are the Stories Behind Raksha Bandhan?

While there are several stories and mythological legends surrounding Raksha Bandhan, there are few that hold a special place in our hearts. All of us have come across some or the other stories related to the different festivals of India. Now, it’s time for us to delve deeper into the legends of Raksha Bandhan and learn more about this festival, how it came to be, and why it celebrates the bonds of siblings. 

Here are some of the most popular stories revolving around Raksha Bandhan:

1. The legend of Lord Krishna and Mata Draupadi

According to this story from the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna had once received a cut on his finger and had bled. Seeing this, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it around Lord Krishna’s finger. Krishna Ji was so pleased by this act that he promised to protect Draupadi from every possible disaster and vowed to support her in her times of need. 

2. The story of Lord Indra and Mata Sachi

Per this tale, Lord Indra is believed to have won a difficult battle against Asuras because of his wife Sachi. This story states that when Lord Indra was engrossed in his battle with Demons, Mata Sachi, worried about his condition, tied a protective thread around his wrist to grant him strength and victory. Lord Indra eventually won the war, and people started believing that the protective thread provided him with the support he needed. 

3. The myth of Lord Yama and Mata Yamuna 

The myth of Lord Yama and Mata Yamuna says that when Lord Yama visited his sister, Yamuna, Yamuna Mata performed an Aarti for her brother and tied a sacred thread around his wrist. Seeing his sister’s divine love and respect, Yama granted Yamuna a boon that he would always protect her and that anyone who received a Rakhi would be immune from problems and even Death. 

4. The tale of Bali and Mata Laxmi

The story of Bali and Mata Laxmi tells that when Lord Vishnu defeated Bali and banished him from the heavens, Mata Laxmi tied an auspicious thread around Bali and seeker for his protection from Vishnu. Eventually, Vishnu granted Bali a leeway and allowed him to visit his kingdom once a year. 

All of these myths hold major significance and faith in the different parts of India and form the essence of the festival of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi.

Also Read: Dhanteras 2023: Welcome Blessings From Laxmi, Kuber And Yama!

What are The Rituals Involved in Raksha Bandhan?

The celebrations surrounding Rakhi begin days before the actual day of the festival and are a grand affair. People start looking for Rakhis and emerge themselves, ultimately making this festival successful. Eventually, the days roll on, and on the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters and brothers, or anyone else, dress in their finest clothes and engage in the Puja ceremony per the Muhurat timings and traditional rituals. 

The Puja Thaali or auspicious plate consists of the Rakhi, Roli or auspicious thread and Sindoor, Rice grains, sweets, and a Diya. The sister first performs an Aarti or ritual that ensures the protection of her brother, waves the Thaali around her brother’s face and chants prayers for her sibling’s well-being, security, prosperity, and happiness. Then, she ties the auspicious thread or Rakhi on her sibling’s wrist, applies Tilak, and places the rice grains on his head. 

Eventually, gifts are given to the sisters, and the brothers promise to protect their sisters from every and all kinds of mishaps. This marks an end to the traditional rituals of Raksha Bandhan and ensures that the day ends on a happy and positive note. The festival of Rakhi brings joy, love, and appreciation to the hearts of everyone involved. 

Conclusion 

The festival of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is a testament to love, protection, loyalty, and affection. This festival reminds us of the importance of building meaningful relationships and asks us to harbour more love than hate. Moreover, through Rakhi, one can also realise the essence of filial or family bonds between siblings, cousins, relatives and friends. While Raksha Bandhan is bound to be celebrated on the 30th of August this year, the 2024 Raksha Bandhan celebrations will happen in less than a year on August 19, 2024, and you can look forward to that too! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Raksha Bandhan on 30 or 31 August 2023?

The Raksha Bandhan festival is supposed to be celebrated on 30 August 2023, and the timings are between 09:01 PM on 30 August and 07:05 AM on 31 August. 

What is the timing of Rakhi in 2023?

The Raksha Bandhan Purnima Tithi begins at 10:58 AM on 30 August 2023 and ends at 07:05 AM on 31 August 2023. 

When to remove Rakhi for Raksha Bandhan?

While there is no strict rule when it comes to removing Rakhi for Raksha Bandhan, one can remove it when they want to. Most people prefer to keep their Rakhi on as long as the strings permit. 

How is Rakhi date decided?

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is usually celebrated in the Shravana month and is observed on the Full Moon night or Purnima. This year, Raksha Bandhan is supposed to be celebrated on the 30th of August.

Who tied Rakhi to Lord Krishna?

According to the legend of Mahabharat surrounding the pure festival of Raksha Bandhan, Mata Draupadi was the one who tied Rakhi to Lord Krishna as a sign of love, respect, protection, and loyalty. She tore off a piece of her saree and tied the tron piece on Lord Krishna’s wrist as a protective charm. 

Is Rakhi celebrated only between brothers and sisters?

While the age-old custom would make you believe that Rakhi is only celebrated between brothers and sisters as an act of protection and loyalty, the times have changed. Now, Rakhi is observed and celebrated not just between brothers and sisters but also between people regardless of gender and relationships. 

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