Raksha Bandhan is one of the most important festivals in India, and it is dedicated to the love of brothers and sisters. This festival is celebrated by almost every household in India, irrespective of caste, creed, or status. Generally, this festival falls on the full moon day of Shravan month, also known as Shravan Purnima. Therefore, the festival is also known as Rakhi Purnima.
Date: Wed, 30 Aug, 2023
History of Raksha Bandhan
There are many legends related to Raksha Bandhan; one of them is that once upon a time, the finger of Lord Krishna got accidentally cut with his own Sudarshan Chakra. Draupadi, who was the wife of Pandavas, tore a part of the clothes that she was wearing and tied it to the bleeding finger of Lord Krishna.
This gesture quite moved Krishna, and he promised to take care of Draupadi from all kinds of evil in the future. In Mahabharata, when Kauravas tried to disrobe Draupadi, Lord Krishna protected her.
There are various other stories related to the origin of the Raksha Bandhan festival. India, which has diverse languages and cultures, is known for many traditions and customs related to Raksha Bandhan that vary from one state to another.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
The Raksha Bandhan festival signifies the love between brothers and sisters. The concept is mainly based on care, obligation, and protection. It is an expression and celebration of siblinghood and people get a thread tied on the wrist as a knot of commitment. The love between brothers and sisters is considered one of the most sacred things in India. Brothers in India are quite concerned about their sisters and always care for their well-being. On the other hand, sisters play the role of a second mother for their brothers.
How is the festival celebrated?
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by sisters tying a thread known as Rakhi on the wrists of their brothers, and brothers, on the other hand, give gifts to their sisters and promise to take care of them throughout their life. On this particular day, almost everybody in the house wears new clothes, and relatives and neighbours visit the houses to celebrate this festival. Many special kinds of dishes are also prepared on this particular day.
Give your Raksha Bandhan a special touch
Home Decor
Raksha Bandhan is the festival of brothers and sisters, but decorating the house will bring joy and happiness to everyone around. The colours and cheerfulness make the environment positive, and everyone can be part of it. One can put on some lights, put on new curtains, clean their house, etc.
DIY Rakhis
Raksha Bandhan comes only once a year; therefore, it should be special. Sisters can make their own rakhis as they will have a special importance and attachment to the ones available in the market. Many short and easy videos are available online to help you through your journey.
Cook something special
India is blessed with numerous cuisines and dishes that are prepared across the country. Brothers and sisters together can prepare special food on this particular day that they will remember throughout their life. The time spent while preparing the dishes will bring both of them close to one another and the bond between brothers and sisters will be further enhanced.
Gifting Ideas
Whether the brother is 10 years old or he is 50 years old, he tries his best to save money for this particular day and gift something special to his sister. Many kinds of gifting ideas are easily available on the internet and one can use YouTube’s help to ease the process.
Raksha Bandhan across different states of India
Rajasthan
In the Rajasthan region, especially in Marwadi communities, Raksha Bandhan is also known as Lumba Rakhi. On this day, sisters tie rakhi on the hands of brothers and pray for their safety, and brothers promise to protect their sisters from all kinds of evils. The unique thing about the celebration of Raksha Bandhan in Rajasthan is that people from this community also tie Rakhi to the hands of the brother’s wife as well.
West Bengal
Here, in West Bengal, the day of Raksha Bandhan marks the end of the day ritual of Lord Krishna and Radha jhulan (swings); therefore, Raksha Bandhan is also called Jhulan Purnima in West Bengal. On this day, the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are put on a swing and are heavily decorated with flowers.
Gujarat
In Gujarat, Raksha Bandhan day is known as Pavitropana; on this day, sisters tie rakhi on the hands of their brothers. People go to the temple to seek the blessings of God, especially Lord Shiva. They believed that offering water to Lord Shiva on this particular day would keep them protected from all kinds of sins.
Maharashtra
Along with Raksha Bandhan, the people of Maharashtra also celebrate this day as Narali Purnima. This day falls on the full moon day of Shravan month and people offer coconut to the sea in respect to Lord Varun. Such practices are real these days but few communities such as the Koli community of Maharashtra still practice this ritual on the day of Raksha Bandhan. This special day also marks the beginning of the fishing season in the state.
Southern States
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Avani Avittam in Southern parts of India. On this particular day, Brahmins replace their old janeyu with a new one after bathing in a holy river. This ritual is a representation of washing away previous sins and taking a resolution to live a new life based on goodness, righteousness, and dignity.
Best places to visit during Raksha Bandhan 2023 with your siblings
Rishikesh
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Climate | pleasant weather throughout the year |
| Nearest Railway Station | Haridwar Junction, 25km |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun, 35km |
| Major Attractions | Laxman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, The Beatles Ashram, Swarg Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, Rajaji National Park, Shivpuri, etc. |
| Activities to do | River Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Cliff Jumping, Trekking, Kayaking, Ayurvedic Massage And Therapies, Parasailing And Paragliding, Yoga And Meditation, etc. |
Kashmir Valley
| State | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Climate | Moderate climate |
| Nearest Railway Station | Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 330km |
| Nearest Airport | Srinagar Airport |
| Major Attractions | Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Kupwara, Kathua, Pulwama, Pahalgam, Kishtwar, etc. |
| Activities to do | Trekking, Shikara Ride, Houseboat Stay, Gondola Cable Car Ride, Shopping, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, River Rafting, Paragliding, etc. |
Pondicherry
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Climate | tropical wet and dry |
| Nearest Railway Station | Villupuram Junction railway station, 37km |
| Nearest Airport | Chennai International Airport |
| Major Attractions | Shri Aurobindo Ghosh Ashram, Paradise Beach, Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple, Promenade Beach, Chunnambar Boat House, Sita Cultural Centre, Pondicherry Botanical Garden, etc. |
| Activities to do | Boat Ride, Birdwatching, Scuba Diving, Water Activities, Sightseeing, Houseboat Ride, etc. |
Munnar
| State | Kerala |
| Climate | the wet season is muggy and overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and comfortable year round |
| Nearest Railway Station | Aluva Junction |
| Nearest Airport | Cochin International Airport |
| Major Attractions | Meesapulimala, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, TATA Tea Museum, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Nyayamakad Waterfall, Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, etc. |
| Activities to do | Tree House Stay, Tea Estate Tours, Camping And Trekking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Shikara Ride, Elephant Safari, Street Shopping, etc. |
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Frequently asked questions about Raksha Bandhan
Why do sisters tie Rakhi?
And the time of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers as a symbol of protection and love.
Can sisters tie Rakhi to sister?
As per the traditions, Rakhis are meant to be tied on the hands of the brothers and therefore, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a sister to tie rakhi on the hands of a sister.
On which hand Rakhi should be tied?
As per the traditions and beliefs of the Hindu religion, Rakhi should always be tied to the right hand of the brothers.
Which other countries celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated almost in all major countries where Indians are present. However, it is also celebrated in the neighborhood of India in countries such as Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, etc.
Do people of other religions celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Every year many Muslims and Christians celebrate Raksha Bandhan along with their friends and neighbors in the locality.
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