Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. It is also known as Rakhi, which means a sacred thread that sisters tie around their brothers’ wrists on this day. Raksha Bandhan falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, which usually coincides with August in the Gregorian calendar.
Raksha Bandhan 2023 Date and Time
In 2023, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 30. The auspicious time to tie the rakhi is during the Aparahna period, which is the late afternoon according to the Hindu division of the day. The Aparahna time for Raksha Bandhan 2023 will start from 1:42 pm and end at 4:18 pm. The total duration of the Aparahna time will be 2 hours and 36 minutes.
If the Aparahna time is not available, then the next best time to tie the rakhi is during the Pradosh period, which is the evening twilight. The Pradosh time for Raksha Bandhan 2023 will start from 6:54 pm and end at 8:40 pm. The total duration of the Pradosh time will be 1 hour and 46 minutes.
It is advisable to avoid tying the rakhi during the Bhadra period, which is considered inauspicious for any auspicious work. The Bhadra time for Raksha Bandhan 2023 will start from 10:58 am on August 30 and end at 12:06 pm on the same day. The total duration of the Bhadra time will be 1 hour and 8 minutes.
Raksha Bandhan History and Significance
Raksha Bandhan has a long history and significance in Hindu mythology and culture. There are many legends and stories associated with this festival, which highlight its importance and relevance. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Indra and Indrani: According to one legend, when Indra, the king of gods, was fighting a fierce battle against the demon king Bali, he was losing his strength and courage. His wife Indrani, who was also a goddess, tied a sacred thread around his wrist to protect him from harm and grant him victory. This thread was called a raksha sutra, which later came to be known as rakhi.
- Krishna and Draupadi: According to another legend, when Krishna injured his finger while flying a kite, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tore a piece of her saree and wrapped it around his wound to stop the bleeding. Krishna was touched by her gesture and promised to protect her from any danger. He fulfilled his promise by saving her from being disrobed by Duryodhana in the Kaurava court.
- Yama and Yamuna: According to yet another legend, Yama, the god of death, had not visited his sister Yamuna, the river goddess, for a long time. Yamuna missed her brother dearly and asked Ganga, another river goddess, to convey her message to him. Yama was pleased to hear from his sister and decided to visit her. Yamuna was overjoyed to see her brother and welcomed him with a grand feast. She also tied a rakhi around his wrist and prayed for his well-being. Yama was moved by her love and affection and granted her immortality. He also declared that whoever celebrates Raksha Bandhan with their sisters will be blessed with a long and happy life.
- King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi: According to one more legend, King Bali, a benevolent demon king, had conquered all the three worlds and became the ruler of the universe. Vishnu, the preserver god, wanted to restore the balance of power and decided to test Bali’s generosity. He disguised himself as a dwarf Brahmin named Vamana and asked Bali for three steps of land as a boon. Bali agreed without hesitation, but Vamana revealed his true form and covered the earth and the sky with his two steps. He then asked Bali where he should place his third step. Bali realized his folly and offered his head as the third step. Vishnu was impressed by Bali’s devotion and granted him a boon to rule the netherworld. He also decided to stay with Bali as his guard. However, this meant that Vishnu had to leave his wife Lakshmi behind in Vaikuntha, his abode. Lakshmi missed her husband dearly and decided to go to Bali’s palace as a poor Brahmin woman. She tied a rakhi around Bali’s wrist and asked him to free her husband from his service. Bali was touched by her gesture and realized that she was none other than Lakshmi. He agreed to let Vishnu go back to Vaikuntha with his wife and also requested them to visit him once in a while.
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. It is also a symbol of harmony and unity among different communities and religions. It is a day to express gratitude, affection, and respect for one’s siblings and to pray for their happiness and well-being. It is also a day to exchange gifts, sweets, and blessings with one’s family and friends. Raksha Bandhan is a festival that strengthens the bond of siblinghood and fosters a sense of responsibility and care among brothers and sisters..