Raksha Bandhan 2023: A festival of love and protection
brothers and sisters. Known as Rakhi, which means "thread of protection," it usually falls in August on the full moon day of Shravan. This year, it's happening on August 30 and 31, 2023.
The main ritual:
The main ritual of Raksha Bandhan involves a sister tying a sacred thread or bracelet around her brother's wrist, symbolizing her love and praying for his well-being and happiness. In return, the brother vows to protect and support his sister and gives her a gift as a token of his affection. The thread or bracelet is called a rakhi, and it can be made of silk, cotton, wool, or even metal or plastic. Rakhi can be decorated with beads, sequins, beads or other embellishments. Religious symbols or pictures of gods and goddesses are also made on some rakhis.
The origin and significance:
The origin and significance of Raksha Bandhan differ in different regions and communities of India.
Some believe that the festival is based on the legend of Indra and Indrani, the king and queen of the gods in Hindu mythology. According to this legend, Indra was defeated in a battle by a demon king named Bali. Worried about her husband's safety, Indrani tied a thread on his wrist and prayed for his victory. The thread gave Indra the power to defeat Bali and regain his throne.
Some others link the festival to the story of the god of death and the river goddesses Yama and Yamuna in Hindu mythology. According to this story, Yama visited his sister Yamuna after a long time and she welcomed him happily. He tied a thread on her wrist and asked her for a boon. Yama granted him a boon that whoever celebrates Raksha Bandhan with his siblings would get immortality.
History:
Raksha Bandhan is also associated with historical events and social movements in India.
For example, it is said that Rani Karnavati, the queen of Chittor in Rajasthan, sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun of Delhi to ask for his help against the invasion of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in the 16th century.
Humayun respected Rakhi and rushed to her aid, but he arrived too late as Karnavati had already committed self-immolation along with other women to escape enemy capture.
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In another example, Nobel laureate poet and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore promoted Raksha Bandhan as a symbol of unity and harmony between different communities during the partition of Bengal in 1905.
He urged people to tie rakhi to each other regardless of their religion or caste. And oppose the divide and rule policy of the British.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness all over India and by Indians living abroad. This festival brings families and friends together and strengthens their bond of love and affection.
On this day sisters prepare special dishes for their brothers and apply tilak on their foreheads. Brothers also feed their sisters with gifts and sweets. People also congratulate and wish each other through cards, messages or social media.
However, many may not be able to visit their siblings due to travel restrictions or health concerns. In such cases, they can still celebrate Raksha Bandhan virtually by sending Rakhi online or through courier services. They can also video call their siblings and express their love and gratitude to each other.
Raksha Bandhan is not just a ritual but a way of life that promotes brotherhood and sisterhood among all people. It reminds us of our duties and responsibilities towards each other as well as towards our society. It also inspires us to protect each other from all evils and dangers.
Let us celebrate this festival with full spirit and hope for a better future for ourselves and our loved ones.
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