Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in India and around the world. It celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The name Raksha Bandhan means the bond of protection.
Every year, the festival of Rakhi is celebrated on the full moon day of the Shravan month. This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on Monday, August 19, 2024, which coincides with the last Monday of Sawan.
Raksha Bandhan Muhurat 2024
According to astrology, the time after noon is considered most favourable for Raksha Bandhan. If the time after noon is not auspicious due to Bhadra, then Pradosh Kaal is also considered auspicious for Raksha Bandhan.
It is said that Bhadra should be avoided for auspicious works.
| Best Time | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tying Rakhi (General) | 1:30 PM | 9:07 PM |
| Post Afternoon Muhurta | 1:42 PM | 4:19 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal for Raksha Bandhan | 6:55 PM | 9:07 PM |
Why is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?
The word ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means to tie. A sister ties a sacred thread known as Rakhi to her brother’s wrist. She prays for the prosperity and well-being of her brother.
In return, the brother promises to protect his sister from any kind of harm and be with her through thick and thin. This ritual is not restricted to only biological brothers and sisters. It celebrates any brotherly-sisterly relationship between two people which includes cousins.
Raksha Bandhan History – How Did Raksha Bandhan Start?
Though it is hard to say when exactly this ritual began, several instances go back thousands of years that gave form to the present-day ritual. The first known incident of the tying of a sacred thread goes back to the days of creation when the Devas were busy fighting demons.
When Indra Dev was not having much success in staving off the Asuras, His wife Sachi tied a sacred thread given by Lord Vishnu around His wrist. This helped Indra Dev defeat the Asuras and regain Amravati. At that time this ritual was followed by wives also.
Another story from the Bhagavata Purana tells us of the time when Lord Vishnu defeated the powerful Bali and recovered the three worlds. Bali, now defeated, asked Lord Vishnu to stay with him. Lord Vishnu accepted, but Mata Lakshmi longed to return to Vaikunth.
She tied a cotton thread (Rakhi) around Bali’s wrist and made him Her brother. Bali then asked Mata Lakshmi what she wanted. Mata Lakshmi asked Bali to release Lord Vishnu from His promise and allow Him to return to Vaikunth. Bali agreed and Lord Vishnu returned to Vaikunth.
Coming to the Dwapara Yuga, we find mention of this ritual during the days of the Mahabharata. Draupadi had tied a thread around Lord Krishna’s wrist. How she was protected is known by all.
Another story tells us of how Lord Ganesh created Santoshi Mata. His two sons – Shubh and Labh wanted a sister and Lord Ganesh created the Goddess who tied a Rakhi on their wrists.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Besides Raksha Bandhan, Shravan Purnima is celebrated in different ways in different regions. In South India, this day is known as “Avani Avattam”. Brahmins replace their sacred threads – “Janeu” on this day. In Northern India, this day is known as Kajari Purnima.
Farmers worship Goddess Bhagwati for a good crop and mothers worship the Goddess for the well-being of their sons. In the western coastal regions, this day is known as Nariyali Purnima. Fishermen offer coconuts to Varun Dev.
How Raksha Bandhan is Celebrated?
Days before the festival, sisters go shopping for Rakhis. These come in various sizes and forms. They also buy sweets or chocolates for their brothers. All get up early and bathe early. The sister then applies a Tika and ties the Rakhi to her brother’s wrist.
Aarti is also performed. The brother gives his sister money and gifts – and promises to protect her. All this is done in a joyful and boisterous mood, followed by a special meal – either cooked at home or outside.
Also Read: Raksha Bandhan Quotes, Wishes & Images
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