Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. It is also known as Rakhi, and it is observed on the full moon day of the month of Shraavana, which usually falls in August.
This year, however, there is some confusion about the date of Raksha Bandhan. Is it on August 30 or 31? And what is the best time to tie the sacred thread of Rakhi on your brother’s wrist? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Raksha Bandhan 2023: Date
According to Drik Panchang, a website that provides Hindu calendar and almanac information, Raksha Bandhan 2023 will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 30. However, due to an inauspicious period called Bhadra, some people may prefer to celebrate it on August 31.
Bhadra is a time frame that is considered unfavorable for any auspicious or sacred activities. It is also known as Vishti Karana or Bhadra Karana. According to Hindu astrology, Bhadra occurs when the moon is in conjunction with or aspected by Saturn or Rahu.
This year, Bhadra will begin on August 30 at 5:30 pm and end at 9:01 pm. During this time, it is advised to avoid tying Rakhi or performing any rituals related to Raksha Bandhan. Therefore, those who want to follow this rule can celebrate Raksha Bandhan after 9:01 pm on August 30 or on August 31.
Raksha Bandhan 2023: Timings and Shubh Muhurat
The best time to tie Rakhi on your brother’s wrist is during the Shubh Muhurat, which is an auspicious time period based on the position of the moon and other planets. The Shubh Muhurat for Raksha Bandhan 2023 is as follows:
Event Date & Time Purnima Tithi or Full Moon Begins August 30, 2023 at 10:58 PM Purnima Tithi or Full Moon Ends August 31, 2023 at 7:05 AM Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Begins August 30, 2023 at 5:30 PM Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Ends August 30, 2023 at 9:01 PM Raksha Bandhan Shubh Muhurat August 30, 2023 after 9:01 PM or August 31, 2023 anytime
Note that these timings are based on the Indian Standard Time (IST) and may vary slightly depending on your location.
Raksha Bandhan 2023: Significance and Rituals
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that symbolizes the love and duty between brothers and sisters. The word Raksha means protection, and the word Bandhan means bond. On this day, sisters tie a colorful thread called Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, and pray for their well-being and happiness. In return, brothers promise to protect and support their sisters in all circumstances.
The origin of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to various legends and stories in Hindu mythology. One of them is about the goddess Lakshmi tying a Rakhi on King Bali’s wrist to free her husband Vishnu from his obligation as his guard. Another one is about Draupadi tying a piece of cloth on Krishna’s finger to stop his bleeding wound during the Mahabharata war.
The rituals of Raksha Bandhan vary from region to region, but they generally involve the following steps:
- Sisters prepare a thali or a plate with Rakhi, sweets, rice grains, vermilion powder, incense sticks, and a lamp.
- Brothers sit in front of their sisters and apply a tilak or a mark on their forehead with vermilion powder and rice grains.
- Sisters tie Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists and chant a mantra or a prayer for their protection and prosperity.
- Brothers give gifts or money to their sisters and pledge to safeguard them from any harm.
- Sisters feed sweets to their brothers and receive their blessings.
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that strengthens the bond of affection between siblings. It also promotes harmony and peace among different communities and religions. It is a day to express gratitude and love for your brother or sister, and wish them a long and happy life.
