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Rakhi, popularly known as Raksha Bandhan in English, is a Hindu festival celebrating the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. It is celebrated annually on the full moon day of Shravana.
The Raksha Bandhan Festival 2024 will be on Monday, August 19th. Scroll down this article on Raksha Bandhan to read in detail about the beautiful history entailing the celebration of Rakhi!
The following are some of the rituals that are performed during the Raksha Bandhan celebrations:
The story of Raksha Bandhan has its roots in Hindu mythology. It has been passed down from generation to generation. According to Hindu legend, the festival was started to commemorate and celebrate the love and protection offered by Lord Krishna to his sister, Subhadra. The traditional rakhi tale goes as follows:
Subhadra was a young girl worried about her brother, Lord Krishna, who was going to war. She wanted to protect him and ensure his safety, so she tied a sacred thread around his wrist, a rakhi band.
This gesture symbolised her love and protection for her brother and her prayer for his safety. Lord Krishna was touched by his sister's love and always pledged to protect her. The story of Raksha Bandhan is as significant as the Rakhi meaning in English. It has become a central part of Hindu mythology and is celebrated as a reminder of the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters.
Rakhi: A Bond Of Protection
On this day, sisters tie a rakhi around their brothers' wrists, symbolising their love and protection. Brothers pledge to protect their sisters and shower them with gifts and love. Therefore, Raksha Bandhan is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great joy and devotion.
The festival provides an opportunity for families to come together, reinforce cultural values, and celebrate the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. The story of Raksha Bandhan reminds us of the importance of love, protection, and care in familial relationships and the value of maintaining strong family ties.
Here are a few Raksha Bandhan facts about how the festival is celebrated in different parts of India:
In the northern part of India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, Raksha Bandhan is one of the major festivals. On this day, sisters visit their brothers and tie a rakhi band on their wrists, symbolising their love and protection. Brothers, in return, give gifts and sweets to their sisters.
In places like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, Raksha Bandhan is an elaborate celebration. In these states, the festival is known as "Nariyal Purnima" and is marked by eating sweet coconut rice and performing rituals.
In East India, particularly in West Bengal and Odisha states, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with utmost devotion. On this day, sisters pray to the gods and seek blessings for their brothers.
In South India, Raksha Bandhan is known as "Avani Avittam" and is celebrated by performing puja and prayers for brothers. In Tamil Nadu, a sacred thread is tied around the wrist, symbolising the bond of love between brothers and sisters.
In Central India, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, people celebrate this festival by visiting temples and praying for the well-being of brothers.
Hence, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great joy and devotion in different parts of India. The customs and traditions may vary from region to region, but the underlying message of love and protection between brothers and sisters remains the same.