Rakshabandhan

Rakshabandhan is one of the many Indian festivals that play a prominent role in reinstilling positive values in our society. It is a much-loved festival celebrated with great zeal across the nation. One of the most relatable stories associated with this festival is the historical legend of Maharani Karnavati of Mewar, Rajasthan

This pious festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which falls in August according to the Gregorian calendar. Rakhi's 2024 date in India is the 19th of August which will bring families together and strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters, reminding us of the importance of love and protection in our relationships. Read this content to get more information!

Schedule of 2024 Rakhi Celebration in India

Raksha Bandhan 2024 date is August 19, as per Drikpanchang. The exact timing for the mahurat to perform the Rakhi ceremony depends on the Purnima Tithi (full moon day).

The best time to tie rakhi is usually during the Aparahna, which is the late afternoon according to the Hindu division of the day, or Pradosh time. It's essential to avoid Bhadra time, considered inauspicious for this ritual.

So, now you know the Rakhi 2024 date and the best muhurat, let’s take a closer look at some of the other important aspects.

Meaning of Raksha Bandhan

The name "Raksha Bandhan" is derived from two words: "Raksha," which means protection, and "Bandhan," which means to tie. So, Raksha Bandhan translates to "the tie or knot of protection." On this special day, sisters tie a sacred thread called a "rakhi" around their brothers' wrists. This thread symbolises the sisters' love, prayers, and wishes for their brothers' well-being, while the brothers promise to protect and support their sisters throughout their lives.

The cultural significance of this festival is that it gets various names like - Saluno, Rakri and many others in different parts of India where there are minute changes in how people celebrate this day. For example, an interesting ritual associated with Saluno includes the sisters placing a few shoots of barley behind the ears of their brothers. The main purpose of such rituals is to ensure the well-being of their brothers. However, the main crux of this incredible festival is to celebrate the bond of love and harmony among the siblings.

History of Raksha Bandhan Festival

The mythological history of Raksha Bandhan traces its roots back to the time of Mahabharata. Legend has it that while handling sugarcane, Krishna cut his finger, and it started bleeding. Witnessing this scene, his queen Rukmani immediately sent someone to get the bandages. Meanwhile, Draupadi, watching all this, came to his rescue. She tore a section of her saree and wrapped Krishna's bleeding finger with it. It was then, in return, that Lord Krishna promised to protect her whenever required. And, when the abrupt disrobing event with Draupadi happened, Lord Krishna helped her save her honour.   

Importance of Raksha Bandhan

Among Various Religions in India

• Hinduism: Raksha Bandhan is predominantly celebrated by Hindus in northern and western parts of India, as well as in Nepal, Pakistan, and Mauritius.
• Jainism: Jain priests give ceremonial threads to their followers during this festival.
• Sikhism: Sikhs also observe this festival, calling it "Rakhardi" or "Rakhari."

Origin of Raksha Bandhan

The festival has ancient origins and is associated with numerous legends and stories.

Indra Dev and Sachi

According to the Bhavishya Purana, Lord Indra's wife, Sachi, tied a holy thread around his wrist during a fierce battle between gods and demons. This sacred thread empowered Indra to defeat the demons.

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi

In the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Vishnu stayed with the demon king Bali. Goddess Lakshmi tied a rakhi to Bali to bring him back home, making him her brother. In return, Bali allowed Vishnu to return to his heavenly abode.

Santoshi Maa

Lord Ganesha's sons, Shubh and Labh, expressed their desire for a sister. Responding to their wish, Ganesha created Santoshi Maa and celebrated Raksha Bandhan together.

Krishna and Draupadi

In the Mahabharata, Draupadi tied a rakhi to Lord Krishna, and Kunti tied one to her grandson Abhimanyu before the great war.

Yama and the Yamuna

The death god Yama did not visit his sister Yamuna for 12 years. When he finally did, she was so happy that he promised to visit her regularly and made her immortal.

Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun

Among the many tales of Raksha Bandhan, the story of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun gets our attention the most, perhaps because it is of great historical importance.

It so happened that Maharani Karnavati was the regent of Mewar and was appointed to carry the administration duties after the death of her beloved husband, Ranga Sanga. When Bahadur Shah attacked Mewar the second time, Rani Karnavati, fearing that her kingdom would be defeated and she would lose everything, reached out to other rulers for her kingdom's protection. 

The Maharani also approached Humayun by sending him a rakhi. This holy thread signified a deep bond of affection that a sister shares with her brother. Seeing the Queen's gesture, Humayun assured him he would be helping her on the battlefield. However, the Mughal emperor was stuck in the middle of another military campaign in Bengal. Thus, he couldn't reach on time to help the Queen, and Maharani Karnavati lost the battle, consequentially giving herself to the fire of Jauhar. 

Major Attractions of Raksha Bandhan Celebrations in India

Especially for this festival, the shopkeepers decorate the bazaars with great enthusiasm. Girls start shopping early, hoping to purchase the best rakhi for their brothers. They look for the most colourful and vivid rakhi pieces, and of course, they also expect a gift in return for their trust and bond of love.

Read More : Happy Raksha Bandhan Wishes, Quotes And Messages

Family Get-Togethers and New Clothes

Everyone wears new clothes on this auspicious day of Rakhi while enjoying fun family get-togethers. The atmosphere is filled with joy and laughter as families celebrate this special occasion.

Raksha Bandhan Rituals

Raksha Bandhan rituals involve lighting a Diya in an earthen lamp. The main purpose of lighting the lamp is to represent the fire deity. Prayers for the well-being of the brothers are performed. The sister sweetly feeds a portion of sweets to her brother, and then, after the rituals are over, she ties the rakhi around his wrist.

Traditional Food

In our culture, every festival is associated with its specific food, and the celebration of Raksha Bandhan is no exception. Raksha Bandhan cuisine consists of many delicious items like Vermicelli Kheer, Vegetable Pancakes, Pakoras, Mal Pua, Khoya Burfi, and Tamarind Rice. These delicious dishes add to the festive spirit and make the day even more special.

In conclusion, Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is a special day when sisters tie a rakhi on their brother's wrists, and brothers promise to protect them. The Rakhi festival 2024 will be full of joy and love as families celebrate this special tradition. This festival reminds us of siblings' strong bond of love and care. It is a time to show appreciation and strengthen family ties. 

Related Post - Traditional Food in India

Frequently Asked Questions About Raksha Bandhan Festival 

Q. What are the important facts on Raksha Bandhan?
A. Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival celebrated to honour the bond between brothers and sisters. It involves sisters tying a rakhi (sacred thread) around their brothers' wrists, praying for their well-being, and brothers promising to protect their sisters. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which usually falls in August.

Q. What is the significance of Raksha Bandhan?
A. The significance of Raksha Bandhan is the celebration of the love, duty, and protection shared between siblings. It emphasises the bond of care and commitment, where sisters pray for their brothers' prosperity and well-being, and brothers vow to protect their sisters throughout their lives.

Q. What is the real story behind Raksha Bandhan?
A. The real story behind Raksha Bandhan involves Yama, the God of Death, and his sister, the Yamuna. Yama had not visited his sister for a long time. After a reminder from the Ganga, he decided to visit her. Overjoyed by his arrival, Yamuna tied a rakhi to Yama's hand and prepared a grand celebration.

Q. Who tied Rakhi first?
A. The earliest legend of tying a rakhi is associated with the Bhavishya Purana, where Indra Dev's wife, Sachi, tied a holy thread around his wrist during a battle between gods and demons, empowering him to victory. This is considered one of the first instances of a rakhi being tied.

Q. When is Raksha Bandhan in 2024? 
A. Raksha Bandhan in 2024 is on August 19th. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana.