Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is a cherished Hindu festival celebrating the enduring bond between brothers and sisters. This year, Rakhi will be celebrated on August 19, 2024. Although it is a public holiday in some states, it is widely celebrated across the country, symbolizing the special connection between siblings.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, or the Rakhi festival, is an ancient Hindu tradition. In 2024, it is a public holiday in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. The festival highlights the universal concepts of duty and love between siblings. On the morning of Rakhi, brothers and sisters gather with their families. Sisters tie rakhis (threads) on their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of protection and love.
Raksha Bandhan – A Monsoon Festival
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated during the monsoon season, symbolizing renewal and prosperity. The rainy season washes away impurities and brings new life, making the Shravan month a holy time to celebrate the pure bond between siblings and the arrival of good fortune.
Historical and Mythological Stories Behind Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi or Rakri, is celebrated by Hindus worldwide to honor the bond of love and responsibility between brothers and sisters. However, its significance goes beyond biological relationships, uniting people of all genders, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Sachi and Indra: In one story, Sachi, the wife of Indra, ties a thread around Indra’s wrist to protect him during a battle against the demon King Bali, suggesting that holy threads were used as amulets in ancient India.
- Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali: Another legend from the Bhagavat Puran and Vishnu Puran tells how Goddess Lakshmi ties a Rakhi on King Bali, making him her brother. Touched by her gesture, King Bali grants her a wish, and Lakshmi asks for Vishnu’s return home.
- Ganesh and Santoshi Maa: Ganesh’s sons, Shubh and Labh, felt left out during Raksha Bandhan. They persuaded Ganesh to grant them a sister, leading to the creation of Santoshi Maa. The three siblings celebrate Raksha Bandhan together each year.
- Krishna and Draupadi: Known for their strong friendship, Krishna and Draupadi share a significant moment during Raksha Bandhan. Draupadi bandages Krishna’s injured finger with a piece of her sari. Touched by her act of love, Krishna promises to repay her kindness and later fulfills his promise by coming to her aid during a critical moment.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan for Farmers and Fishers
For farmers in states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand, the Shravani ceremony during Rakhi Purnima is crucial for a prosperous harvest. The monsoon season brings essential rainwater for farming activities.
Similarly, the fishing communities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Goa celebrate the festival to honor God Varuna, seeking blessings for a bountiful catch and safe sea voyages during the monsoon.
Rakhi Purnima – A Celebration of New Beginnings
The monsoon season signifies the removal of impurities and the start of a new life. In Gujarat, Rakhi Purnima marks this renewal. The rainy season also symbolizes change, necessary for new beginnings, observed by Brahmins in Orissa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu as Upakaram.
Pooja Vidhi of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan includes a significant rite called the “pooja vidhi.” A pooja thali is prepared with a diya (oil light), roli (vermillion powder), rice, sweets, and Rakhi. Sisters perform Aarti, waving the lamp in a circular motion and applying roli on their brothers’ foreheads. They then tie the Rakhi, praying for their brothers’ health and success. In return, brothers give gifts and pledge to protect their sisters. This ritual deepens the sibling bond, emphasizing the significance of Raksha Bandhan as a celebration of love and protection.
Raksha Bandhan Celebrations Across India
During Raksha Bandhan, sisters adorn their brothers’ foreheads with tilak, perform aarti, and tie Rakhi, symbolizing their profound connection. Brothers reciprocate with gifts and a promise of protection.
In Rajasthani and Marwari societies, a ‘Lumba Rakhi’ is tied onto the brother’s spouse’s bangle, highlighting the wife’s role in ensuring the sister’s well-being. This tradition is gaining popularity in other Indian communities as well.
Raksha Bandhan, celebrated with rituals and heartfelt traditions, underscores the timeless bond of love, protection, and mutual respect between siblings.