Date, timing and tithi of the festival
Every year, on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, we celebrate Raksha Bandhan; for this reason, it is also known as Rakhi Purnima. This holiday honours the bond between sisters and brothers. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists, and the brothers make a protection oath for the sisters. This celebration is also known as Rakhi in various regions. One of the most important Hindu festivals is this one. Even yet, this event is today observed by most religions with similar fervour. The festival of Raksha Bandhan 2023 (also known as Rakhi 2023) will be observed on August 30, 2023, a Wednesday this year.
Tithi:
Purnima
Purnima tithi begins at 10:58 am on August 30, 2023.
Purnima tithi begins at 07:05 am on August 31, 2023.
Timing:
Raksha Bandhan 2023 Subh Muhurat 05:50 to 18:03
Raksha Bandhan 2023-time duration 12 Hours 11 Minutes
Overview
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is highly popular. The festival honours the affection between siblings. On this particular day, sisters wrap a Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists as protection.
A rakhi is tied around his wrist as a sign of love and to pray for the brother’s long life. In exchange, brothers offer their sisters presents and commit to keeping them safe at all costs.
Significance
Every sister prays for her brothers’ long lives on Raksha Bandhan. And pray to God to make the weather pleasant. Sisters visit the temple on this day to pray to Lord Krishna and ask him to protect their brothers. After tying the Rakhi on this day, the brothers promise to keep their sisters safe and give them various presents. This lucky thread is tied to the brother’s hand by the sister. Brothers promise to provide them with security for the rest of their lives. This fortunate relationship between brothers and sisters is expressed through good sacraments. Rakhi tree-tying customs date back to prehistoric times. The women of the banyan tree tie the thread, offer Roli, Chandan Dhoop, and light while pleading for their husbands’ long lives. The idea that two separate trees can read time is similar. Similar to how the Rakhi has great power, it brings her brother happiness and wealth in life.
History Behind The Festival
Raksha Bandhan is a celebration observed by people of different faiths and is not just a Hindu holiday. Here, two tales highlight the significance of the Rakhi threads tied by Draupadi to Lord Krishna and Rani Karnavati to Humayun.
Mahabharat is a holy book that is well-known to all. One lovely incident related to how Lord Krishna wounded his finger while handling sugarcane. While Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, saw the blood and promptly ripped a piece of her saree and put it around Krishna’s finger to stop the bleeding, Queen Rukmini, the wife of Lord Krishna, was searching for a bandage. Lord Krishna promised Draupadi at that precise moment that he would always defend her and be there for her.
In the conflict between the Rajputs and the Muslims, Maharani Karnavati recommended to Humayun that when Bahadur Shah attacked Chittor, we should unite and face our common enemy by sending a Rakhi thread. Humayun was moved by this act and pledged to Rani Karnavati to keep her and Chittor safe.
Beliefs
On this day, a sister honours her brother by tying a stitched amulet known as a rakhi around his wrist. The bracelet represents the brother’s promise to look out for his sister throughout her life and the sister’s prayers and blessings for her brother’s safety and well-being.
Rituals Conducted
- All girls and women rise early in the morning.
- Put on elegant, well-made clothing and dresses.
- Before starting the procedures, some people also tie a rakhi to Ladoo Gopal Ji.
- Women observe a day of fasting.
- Kumkum, rice, candies, and Rakhi are used to adorn a platter.
- After placing a tilak on their brother’s forehead, they fasten a rakhi around their right wrist.
- Subsequently, give their brother a treat.
- In exchange, brothers offer their sisters a present or gift as a sign of love or respect.
- Younger brothers even touch their sisters’ feet to ask their sisters for blessings.
- Sisters will also give their brothers items like clothing, a wallet, or gadgets they know they will enjoy.
- Following the celebration of Rakhi, girls can break their fast.
- Women make satvik cuisine as they mark the day after the Rakhi festival.
Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi
A sister ties a rakhi around their brothers’ wrists on the day of Raksha Bandhan. They simultaneously pray for the brothers’ blessings, success, and happiness. When fastening a rakhi around the wrist, a mantra is recited; by doing so, even a pandit can fasten a rakhi around Yahan for their protection. This mantra is:
“Yen Bandho Bali Raja Danavendro Mahabal”
This mantra, frequently chanted during the celebration of Raksha Bandhan, also has a well-known mythical backstory. Dharmaraj Yudhishthira once requested that Lord Shri Krishna tell him a tale that would free him from all misery and hardships. Shri Krishna responded by sharing the following tale with them:
In the mythological era, a battle lasted 12 years in a row between tales and happenings. It was well known that the Asuras would win the battle. Invading the three worlds, the King of Demons proclaimed himself ruler of the Trilok. The demons’ Devas then made their way to Brihaspati’s sanctuary and prayed for defence. Raksha Puja was then finished in the morning.
The mantra indicated above was spoken out in this law by Guru Brihaspati, and it was repeated behind him by Indra and his wife Indrani as well. Indra’s wife, Indrani, bound her to the wrist of Indra’s right hand and granted all Brahmins the ability to defend themselves. With the help of the abilities garnered from this Puja, Indra conquered the Ashur and reclaimed his lost hegemony.
There is still another well-known manner to observe Raksha Bandhan. On this day, women prepare for worship by painting their homes’ walls with gold in the morning. After that, they showered him with kheer and treats as they worshipped him. The Rakhi thread is then tied to a gold chain. The female planters of horns nurture the Nag Panchami plant for reverence. They keep these earrings on the brothers’ ears after tying Rakhi around their wrists.
How do different parts of India celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Celebrations in North Eastern Part of India – Shravan Purnima
Over the years, celebrating Rakhi has become a significant event in northeastern India. People from the northeastern district start the party with a lot of energy. States like Tripura and Assam, which have many Hindu residents, celebrate the holiday more enthusiastically. But Rakhi is not just a Hindu holiday. Other religions also celebrate it. The holy Rakhi is tied on the wrists of brothers by people of all religions. Children in these parts of the world celebrate the festival by tying the holy string around their friends’ wrists to show their importance to them.
Celebrations in Western Coastal Regions of India – Nariyal Purnima
This holiday is important for people near the coast, especially fishermen, who depend on the ocean for their main source of income. On Rakhi Purnima, the Monsoons start to leave, and the stormy ocean starts to calm down. When the new fishing season starts, the fishermen throw coconuts into the ocean to thank Lord Varun, the Hindu God of Rain.
Celebrations in the Eastern Part of India – Jhulan Purnima
This festival remembers the love story between Krishna and Radha. It is called Jhulan Yatra. A week-long party starts, and there will be dancing, singing, and a great display of beautifully decorated swings. This event is important, especially for those who follow the Vaishnava religion. People celebrate the festival with a lot of joy and energy.
Celebrations in Southern Part of India – Avani Avittam
In South India, the Rakhi Bandhan holiday is called Avani Avittam. On this day, Brahmins change the heavenly string called Janeu that they wear after taking a holy dip. The change in the Janeu is a sign of Prayashchit, which is making up for wrongs done in the past, and Mahasankalp, which is a promise to live a life of goodness, respect, and dignity. On this day, scholars also start reading the Yajur Veda, an essential book.
Celebrations in Central Region of India – Kajari Purnima
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is vital for ranchers because it marks the beginning of the time when they plant wheat and grain. Tradition says that only women with children can participate in the festival’s rituals. They put the dirt in a cup made of leaves in a dark room for seven days before throwing it into a lake or other body of water. People pray to Goddess Bhagwati for a good harvest and for their families to be happy.
Traditional Foods Consumed
Kheer
Rice and milk are combined to make the classic Kheer. Because it contains Satvik ingredients like milk and grains, kheer is considered highly pious. Making kheer can be challenging, so ask an experienced cook in your home for assistance if it’s your first time.
Ghee Puri
Pure Ghee-dipped puris make the heart yearn for more of it repeatedly. Typically, the dough is produced using salt, flour, a little bit of water, a little bit of oil, and ajvain. They are formed into a flat roll, fried until golden, and then served. Puris are typically eaten with potatoes or chickpeas.
Moong Dal Halwa
In India, moong dal halwa is prepared for a variety of significant occasions. The required gram flour must first be stirred until it turns golden brown. Continue mixing sugar, nuts, a small amount of milk, saffron, and other ingredients at regular intervals after that. Serve warm.
Vegetable Biryani
To create a delicious Biryani at home, buy some Basmati rice, a variety of vegetables, almonds, and cloves. All the vegetables should be chopped and set aside. Take a cooker, add some oil, salt, and spices, then add the onions and cook till the onions are golden brown. Combine the rice and vegetables. After 3–4 whistles, keep an eye out for it.
Dahi Bhalle
The vibrant Dahi Bhalley is one of the traditional foods of Northern India that is most Instagrammable. They are easily prepared with Moon Dal, Gram Flour, spices, and salts. Cover them with yogurt, fruit, mint chutney, etc.
Seviyan
To prepare the most delectable vermicelli home, combine some cloves, cardamon, and butter in a fry pan. Add sugar, milk, and vermicelli after that. Mix till ready.
FAQS
- What are the important details surrounding Raksha Bandhan?
The definition of bandhan is “to tie” or “to bond.” The brother assures his sister of his protection. The sister wraps her brother’s wrist with the Rakhi. The Rakhi is believed to provide protection for an entire year.
- What kind of Rakhi is ideal?
Rudraksha Rakhi, one of the most sacred, can completely change you. It is one of the luckiest varieties of Rakhi. According to legend, it bestows wealth and health upon the wearer. As a result, it can be the ideal Rakhi for your brother.
- What is the full form of Rakhi?
Raksha Bandhan, or Raksha Bandhana, is abbreviated as “rakhi.” Rakhi, also known as Brother and Sister Day, is a Hindu festival that honours the ties that bind brothers and sisters to their families. Raksha Bandhan means “chain of protection” when translated from its original Sanskrit.
- Do you present cash at Rakhi?
One of the most well-known holidays in India is Raksha Bandhan. Sisters tie Rakhi to their brothers as part of this daylong festivity. In exchange, brothers offer their sisters presents or money and promise to shield them from all the problems in the world.
- Is Rakhi cultural or religious?
The Hindu holiday known as Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, honours love and brotherhood. While Bandhan is the verb to tie, Raksha denotes protection. On the lunar calendar, it is observed on the full moon of the month of Sravana.
- What does Rakhi’s colour symbolize?
The brother’s right wrist is decorated with a red Rakhi, representing the fire element. In addition, red is associated with purity in Hinduism, and a sister attaches a crimson thread to a bond to guarantee that it is strong, secure and protected.
- Can we tie a rakhi in the left hand?
According to these rules, the Rakhi can only be tied on the right wrist. It is said that the right side of the body will guide us in the right direction. While using the left hand is considered unlucky for all rituals, it has a higher power to control the mind and body.
- What is another name for Raksha Bandhan?
It is also known as “Rakhi Purnima,” observed by some Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus in India and Nepal.
9. Is Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) a Public Holiday?
Employees are given a limited number of vacations from a list of optional holidays under Indian labour and holiday rules. The holiday of Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) is optional. On this day, some workers might decide to take the day off, but the majority of workplaces and businesses are open.
