Role
India is a country of festivals, where every festival brings a deep message with it. These festivals have a special and emotional festival, Raksha Bandhan. It is a symbol of the sacred relationship of the brother and sister, in which the sister wishes her brother’s long life and prosperity, and the brother promises to protect her throughout her life.
When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
The history of Raksha Bandhan is very ancient. It is mentioned in many mythological texts and historical stories. This festival has been celebrated since the Vedic period. Evidence is found in texts like the Bhagwat Purana, the Mahabharata and the Vamana Purana.
When there were wars in ancient times, women used to tie a rakhi to warriors so that they would return safely. This tradition has gradually taken the form of a family and cultural festival.
History of Raksha Bandhan
1. Story of Draupadi and Shri Krishna
Once during the Mahabharata period, Shri Krishna suffered a hand injury. Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it on her finger. In return, Shri Krishna promised to always protect Draupadi. This incident is the most famous story of the historical origin of Raksha Bandhan.
Rajput Queen Karnavati sent a rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun and pleaded for his defence. Humayun, honouring that Rakhi, sent his army to help the queen. This incident indicates that Raksha Bandhan was not only limited to family relations, but it also gained importance in social and political contexts.
3. Story of Vamana Avatar
According to a legend of Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar, when three steps were sought from King Bali and sent to Hades, Bali urged Lord Vishnu to always be with him. Lord Lakshmi ji planned to take Vishnu back to Baikunth by tying Rakhi to Bali. This also indicates the onset of Raksha Bandhan.
Why is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan is a symbol of love, affection and faith between brother and sister. On this day, the sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist, by applying tilak, she wishes her brother long life and happiness and peace. In return, the brother gives him a gift and promises to protect him throughout his life.
This festival strengthens family relations and enhances social harmony.
How did Raksha Bandhan begin?
There are many mythological stories about the onset of Raksha Bandhan:
- In the story of Vamana Avatar, Lakshmi Mata tied a rakhi to Bali.
- In the story of Draupadi-Shri Krishna, a piece of the saree became the Raksha Sutra.
- The story of Rani Karnavati and Humayun is a historical example.
It is clear from all these stories that Raksha Bandhan did not begin with any one incident, but it became a cultural tradition, which has been going on for ages.
How is the festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the Shravan month. This day has special significance because it is the holy time of the rainy season.
Festival process:
- The sister takes a bath in the morning and decorates the plate of worship.
- The plate consists of rakhi, roli, akshat, lamp and sweets.
- Aarti is performed by applying a tilak to the brother.
- The rakhi is then tied, and sweets are fed.
- The brother gives gifts and promises to protect.
On this day, the whole family comes together, and sweetness dissolves in family relationships.
Importance of Raksha Sutra
Rakhi is not just a thread, it is a symbol of faith, love and security. This thread contains sister’s feelings, blessings and faith. It is a symbol of protecting a brother from evils, crises and negative energy.
Festivals are celebrated with diversity in India.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different ways in every state of India:
- The traditional worship method is adopted in North India.
- In Maharashtra, it is also called ‘Narai Purnima’.
- In Uttarakhand, it is called ‘Janopunya,’ and on that day, ay people change Yajnopavit.
- In Nepal and other countries where Hindus live, this festival is also celebrated with full enthusiasm.
- Strengthen the relationship between brother and sister.
- Family promotes unity and love.
- Creates a sense of cooperation and support in society.
- Makes women feel secure.
Some inspirational quotes on Raksha Bandhan
- “Rakhi’s bond is not just a thread, sister’s faith and brother’s resolve.”
- “A rakhi is a symbol of thousands of promises – love, security and belief.”
- “There is a power in the blessings of the sister that drives away every trouble.”
- “Brother is the greatest capital of life.”
- “Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of relationships, a holy festival of love and security.”
Traditions changing in Raksha Bandhan
At present, the form and method of Raksha Bandhan have become a bit modern. Now things like e-rakhi, video call rakhi, and digital gifts are also in trend. Sisters living abroad send rakhi online, and brothers offer online gifts.
Although technology has increased the distance, emotions are equally strong today.
Programs organised in schools on Raksha Bandhan
- Special programs are organised on this day in schools and colleges:
- Rakhi Making Competition
- Speech and essay writing competition
- Cultural program on brother and sister’s love
- This increases awareness about traditional values in children.
When is Raksha Bandhan in 2025?
Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on the day of Shravan Purnima in 2025, ie 9 August 2025 (Saturday). On this day, tying the rakhi an auspicious time is considered to be particularly fruitful.
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival, but a feeling, which symbolises faith, affection and dedication between brother and sister. This tradition not only strengthens family relationships, but also gives the message of love, peace and security in society.
In today’s run -of -the -mill world, such festivals connect us with our roots and maintain the sweetness of relationships.
FAQS – Frequently Asked Questions on Raksha Bandhan
Q1. Who started Raksha Bandhan?
👉 According to mythology, its beginning is considered by historical events like Vamana Avatar, Draupadi-Shri Krishna and Rani Karnavati.
Q2. When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
👉 It is celebrated on the full moon of the Shravan month.
Q3. What is the importance of Raksha Bandhan?
👉 It is a symbol of strengthening and social security of the brother-sister relationship.
Q4. When is Raksha Bandhan 2025?
👉 9 August 2025, Saturday.