What is Raksha Bandhan Festival? Raksha Bandhan 2021 Date: The relationship shared by siblings is special, and every year the festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates this bond with much gusto. On this day, a sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist, which is symbolic of her love for him while also seeking his protection in return.
The festival, which will be celebrated on August 21 this year, is primarily observed in the Northern and North-western parts of the country. It is also celebrated in Nepal with equal enthusiasm. Even though the origin of the day is not precisely known to date, there are many stories in mythology that refer to the festival.
As per legends, the origin of the day can be traced back to the day Lord Krishna cut his finger while flying a kite. It is believed that Draupadi was so vexed seeing him hurt that she tore a piece of cloth from her outfit and tied it on his finger. Krishna subsequently was touched and promised to protect her. He did fulfill it when he guarded her against the Kauravas, What is Raksha Bandhan Festival?.
History of Raksha Bandhan Festival
The mythological history of Raksha Bandhan traces its roots back to the time of Mahabharata. Legend has it that once, while handling sugarcane, Krishna cut his finger and it started bleeding. Witnessing this scene, his queen Rukmani immediately sent someone for getting the bandages. Meanwhile, Draupadi, who was 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 unceremonious disrobing event with Draupadi was happening it was Lord Krishna who helped her save her honour, What is Raksha Bandhan Festival?.
The Legend of Yama and Yamuna
Another legend says that the ritual of Raksha Bandhan was followed by Yama who is also known as the Lord of Death and Yamuna which is a river that flows in India. As per the legend, it is believed that when the Yamuna tied rakhi to Yama she was given the reward of immortality by the Lord of Death, What is Raksha Bandhan Festival?.
He also declared that any brother who offers to protect his sister on this day would also live a long life.
The Story of the Rani of Mewar, Karnavati & Humayun
Among the many tell tales of Raksha Bandhan, it is the story of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun which gets our attention the most, perhaps because it holds 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. And when Bahadur Shah attacked Mewar the second time; Rani Karnavati, fearing that her kingdom would be defeated and she will lose everything, reached out to other rulers for her kingdom’s protection.
The Maharani also approached Humayun by sending a rakhi to him. This holy piece of thread signified a deep bond of affection which a sister shares with her brother. Seeing this gesture of the Queen, Humayun assured that he will be helping her on the battlefield. However, the Mughal emperor was himself stuck in the middle of another military campaign somewhere 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.
What is Raksha Bandhan Shubh Muhurat?
The rituals of Rakhi should always be performed during the auspicious times of the day. Aparahna is considered the perfect time to observe all the traditions of this festival. The time of Bhadra should be strictly avoided as it is malefic and not considered viable for any auspicious work. One should always check Shubh Muhurat and Choghadiya of the day before beginning any important ritual, What is Raksha Bandhan Festival?.
How is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?
- On this day, the sister ties a sacred thread on her brother’s wrist, puts a tilak on his forehead and performs Aarti.
- The brother promises to protect her from every difficulty and to stand by her even in the most adverse circumstances while the sister wishes for his happiness, health and success.
- The sister serves her brother with delicious treats and sweets while the brother gifts a bunch of presents and money to his sister.
- Rakhi is a symbol of love, happiness, joy, togetherness and traditions.
- Raksha Bandhan meaning and significance in Hindu culture is utmost and this is why it is celebrated with enthusiasm in every corner of India, What is Raksha Bandhan Festival?.
How is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?
Few days before Raksha Bandhan, sisters shop from one place to another in search of striking rakhi and sweets for their brothers. They also buy other things that are required for the ritual like roli chawal, pooja thali, coconut, etc. The brothers, on the other hand, buy gifts for their sisters.
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, everyone wakes up early and take a bath. They then perform puja and do the aarti of the Gods. Then, the sisters apply a teeka of roli and chawal on the forehead of their brothers, tie the rakhi and give them sweets to eat. What is Raksha Bandhan Festival? Brothers then give gifts to their sisters and they both have a meal together.
Raksha Bandhan Muhurat
This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 22nd August 2021. Following are the muhurat timings for the celebration of this auspicious festival:
| Raksha Bandhan Ceremony | Timings |
|---|---|
| Thread Ceremony Time | 06:15 AM to 05:31 PM |
| Aparahan Muhurat | 01:37 PM to 04:07 PM |
| Purnima Tithi Begins | from 07:00 PM on 21st August |
| Purnima Tithi Ends | 05:31 PM on 22nd August |
