Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the Full Moon Day of the Shravana month each year. The Purnima tithi begins after 2 pm on August 8th and ends after 1 pm on the following day. Though some people may celebrate the ceremony on the beginning day, most others follow the tradition of celebrating their festivals and rituals on the following day, if there is enough time left during the day. If enough daytime (at least 3 to 4 hours after sunrise) is not available, then celebrate it the previous evening.
What is Raksha Bandhan
The phrase Raksha Bandhan means Protective Bond. It is the ritual of tying an auspicious thread around the wrist of the beneficier.
This Raksha Bandhan is a cord or string made up of threads. The threads are a blend of red and yellow colors. Yellow represents turmeric, symbolizing purity and holiness, while red stands for vermilion (Kumkuma). Both colors signify prosperity, well-being, and luck.
The raksha should contain some grains of rice and mustard seeds.
According to the modern version of this celebration, this festival honors the tradition of a thread tied around a brother's wrist by his sister as a symbol of her care for his well-being. The brother promises his sister that he will be there to protect her from any troubles she may face during her life.
Stories Behind the Birth of Raksha Bandhan
There are many legends surrounding the origin of the Raksha Bandhan celebration.
Originally, Raksha Bandhan was not limited to brothers and sisters. Brahmins and Priests used to tie the thread to their disciples or devotees as a protection against evil forces. Wives used to tie these protective threads to their husbands after performing puja, wishing for their good luck in new jobs, ventures, or wars. So, it was considered an auspicious ritual that involved prayers, yajnas, and austerities observed by the person tying the Raksha.
- There is a reference in the Uttara Parva of Bhavishya Purana to an incident where Sri Krishna advised Yudhisthira to have a raksha tied to his wrist by their Royal Priest. The Raksha should be made up of fresh cotton or silk cloth, wrapped with grains of rice, mustard seeds, and vermilion inside. He should wear it after taking a holy bath and performing sandhyavandanam, tarpan to his ancestors, etc., during midday time.
- According to Vishnu Purana, during the Vamana avatar, Mahabali offered three feet of land to Vamana as an act of charity. Vamana grew into his Vishwaroopa form and covered the entire earth with one foot and the whole sky with the other. For the third step, Bali asked him to place his foot on his head. Vishnu placed his foot on Bali's head and thrust him into Paataala Loka, telling him to live there and rule that realm. Bali prayed to Vishnu to be his guardian and reside there. Lakshmi Devi learned of this and wanted Vishnu to return home. She went to Patala Loka and tied a raksha bandhan to Mahabali. He was pleased with her gesture and asked her to choose any gift. She immediately asked for Vishnu's release, and Bali had to agree, since he was committed to keeping his vows.
- There is another legend in the Mahabharata where Krishna was tied with a bandage by Draupadi. Krishna was flying a kite along with others and cut his finger while doing so. Draupadi saw the blood dropping from his fingers and got agitated. She immediately tore a piece from her saree and bandaged his finger. Krishna was grateful to her and treated her as his sister. He bestowed upon her a boon that he would be there to protect her at all times of misery.
- There was the story of Indra's wife (Sachi Devi) tying the rakhee to her husband as a protection from the demons on the advice of their Guru, Brihaspati.
- There was another legend that tells of Yama (the God of Death) visiting his parents and sister after a long gap. His sister, Yamuna, tied a sacred thread around his wrist, seeking his regular presence and her protection from any untoward happenings.
How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan
Although I am not very familiar with celebration traditions, I am sharing some insights on how to observe this festival for your information and consideration.
- Purchase the Raksha Bandhan straps, vermilion, and some sweets on the eve of this festival so you can tie the rakhee to your brothers the next morning.
- If you're interested in arts and crafts, you can make the rakhee yourself. Create a circular or square plate using some thick paper or cloth, decorating it with painted or crafted designs. Put some whole grains of rice and mustard seeds, and cover them with a layer of top. Glue the designs onto the top layer. Then, attach ribbon-like cotton strings to both sides using the same glue for tying.
- On the day of the celebration, take a bath and wear fresh, clean clothes.
- Light an oil lamp in front of your God and place the rakhee and kumkuma in a clean plate before the deity. Say your prayers and perform the worship, both to God and the rakhee.
- Offer naivedyam to God; the sweets should also be offered.
- Meanwhile, your brothers should also prepare by bathing and putting on fresh clothes. They may also do the worship.
- Now, you can tie the rakhee to each of them, one by one. Apply a tilak on their forehead with the worshiped kumkuma. Give aarati (circumambulate the plate containing the Raksha, oil lamp, and the sweets around his face, and then, tie the rakhee around their right wrist. Feed them a sweet, and as they bite into it, offer them other food as well.
- Now, it's their turn to give you a gift.
- You may like to visit the temple along with your siblings/parents and seek blessings for your entire family.
- Enjoy the whole day with your brothers and family.
