Raksha Bandhan (रक्षाबंधन) is a widely celebrated festival across India, bringing together people from all backgrounds, regardless of caste or creed.
Raksha Bandhan
The festival occurs on the full moon day of the lunar month Sawan / Shravana (Shravana Poornima - श्रावण पूर्णिमा), which also coincides with Upa-karma, the sacred thread changing ceremony for Brahmins (known as Avani Avittom in South India).
In different regions, the festival is also known as Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal Poornima, and Kajari Poornima, with each area having its own unique customs and traditions.
Raksha Bandhan meaning
Raksha Bandhan comes from Sanskrit. Its is made from two words Raksha means protection and Bandhan means bond. Therefore, Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection.
रक्षा बंधन संस्कृत से आया है। यह दो शब्दों से बना है रक्षा और बंधन। इसलिए, रक्षा बंधन का अर्थ है रक्षा का बंधन।
Raksha Bandhan Story / History
There are different stories of Raksha Bandhan. Some of them are as below.
Story of Raksha Bandhan Krishna and Draupadi
The origins of Raksha Bandhan can be found in ancient Hindu scriptures and epics.
A well-known story involves Lord Krishna and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata.
According to the legend, when Lord Krishna injured his finger, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and wrapped it around his finger to stop the bleeding.
Moved by her care, Krishna vowed to protect her, marking one of the earliest examples of the Rakhi bond.
Indra and Sachi Devi story related to Raksha Bandhan
According to the Bhavishya Purana, when Indra, the King of Devas, was struggling in battle against Vritra Asura. Deva Guru Brihaspati advised him to wear a Rakhi for protection against his enemies.
Following this advice, Sachi Devi, Indra's consort, tied a Rakhi on him.
Story of Bali and Raksha Bandhan
According to the Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, after Lord Vishnu defeated the demon King Bali and gained control of the three worlds, Bali requested that Vishnu stay with him in his palace.
Lord Vishnu agreed and began living with Bali. However, Vishnu's wife, Goddess Lakshmi, wished to return to their home in Vaikuntha.
To facilitate this, she tied a Rakhi around Bali's wrist, making him her brother.
When Bali asked what she wanted in return, Lakshmi requested that he release her husband from his vow and allow him to return to Vaikuntha.
Bali agreed, and Lord Vishnu returned home with Goddess Lakshmi.
Story of Yama and Yamuna of Raksha Bandhan
Another legend tells of the death god, Yama, who did not visit his sister Yamuna for 12 years, causing her great sadness.
On Ganga's advice, Yama finally visited Yamuna. Overjoyed by her brother's visit, Yamuna welcomed him with great hospitality. Pleased with her warmth, Yama offered to grant her a wish.
Yamuna expressed her desire to see her brother more often.
In response, Yama made his sister immortal so that they could reunite repeatedly. This mythological story is the foundation of the festival "Bhai Dooj," which also celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Raksha bandhan and narali purnima story
In mythological reference, Rakhi is associated with the worship of the sea-god Varuna.
As part of this tradition, offerings of coconut are made to Varuna, accompanied by ceremonial bathing and festivals at waterfronts. Fishermen typically offer coconuts and Rakhis to the Sea God Varuna during this festival, which is known as Nariyal Poornima or narali purnima.
Raksha Bandhan Significance
In Hindu religious ceremonies, it is customary for the priest to tie a thread around the wrist of the person performing the ritual before it begins.
This thread is believed to offer protection, much like the Yagnopaveetam (sacred thread worn across the chest), which is thought to safeguard the wearer if its sanctity is upheld.
In the context of marriage, the Mangala Sutra (tied around the bride's neck) and Kankana Bandhana (a thread tied to the wrists of the bride and groom) carry similar symbolic significance.
The act of tying a Rakhi is not limited to the bond between brother and sister. A wife might tie a Rakhi to her husband, or a disciple to their Guru.
This ritual can extend beyond blood relations - a girl can adopt a boy as her brother by tying a Rakhi, creating a symbolic bond.
Raksha Bandhan Celebration
Below are Traditional Rituals and Preparations
- Dress and Attire: The day starts with both sisters and brothers dressing in traditional clothing, embracing the cultural essence of the occasion.
- Thali Preparation: Sisters prepare a special thali (a ceremonial plate) that includes:
- Rakhi (a sacred thread)
- Roli (a sacred red powder)
- Rice grains
- Sweets
- A diya (lamp)
- Aarti and Rituals: Sisters perform an aarti (a ritual of worship), apply a tilak (a mark made with roli) on their brothers' foreheads, and tie the Rakhi around their wrists.
- Brother’s Promise: Brothers, in response, pledge to protect and support their sisters throughout their lives.
- Gifts and Tokens: As a symbol of their love and appreciation, brothers present their sisters with gifts or money, strengthening the bond they share.
