Raksha Bandhan: A Festival of Love and Protection
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. It is one of the most popular and cherished festivals in India, as well as in other parts of the world where people of Hindu origin live. The festival symbolizes the eternal love of sibling relationship, which is not limited by blood ties.
raksha bandhan
What is Raksha Bandhan?
Meaning and significance of the festival
The word Raksha Bandhan means "the tie or knot of protection" in Sanskrit. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called Rakhi on their brothers' wrists and pray for their well being, and brothers promise to protect their sisters from any harm. The festival also signifies the duty and responsibility of brothers towards their sisters, as well as the respect and gratitude of sisters towards their brothers.
History and mythology of the festival
There are many legends and stories associated with the origin and evolution of Raksha Bandhan. Some of them are:
According to Hindu mythology, Draupadi tied a piece of cloth from her saree on Krishna's injured finger when he cut it while using his divine discus. Krishna was touched by her gesture and vowed to protect her always. He later saved her from being dishonored by the Kauravas in the Mahabharata.
According to another story, Queen Karnavati of Chittor sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun when she was threatened by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Humayun honored her request and rushed to her aid with his army. He restored her son as the king of Chittor after her death.
According to yet another story, Rani Padmini of Chittor sent a Rakhi to Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, to save her honor from his invasion. Khilji respected her wish and did not harm her or her kingdom.
How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
Rituals and traditions of the festival
The rituals and traditions of Raksha Bandhan vary across different regions and communities in India. However, some common elements are:
Sisters prepare a thali or a plate with a Rakhi, vermilion (tilak), rice, sweets or dry fruits, and a lamp (diya).
Sisters perform an aarti or a prayer for their brothers and apply tilak on their foreheads.
Sisters tie Rakhis on their brothers' wrists and feed them sweets or dry fruits.
Brothers give gifts or money to their sisters and take a vow to protect them always.
Brothers and sisters exchange hugs and blessings.
Gifts and greetings for the festival
Gifts are an integral part of Raksha Bandhan, as they express the love and affection between siblings. Some popular gifts are:
Type
Examples
Traditional gifts
Rakhis, sweets, dry fruits, jewelry, clothes, etc.
Personalized gifts
Mugs, cushions, photo frames, key chains, etc. with names or photos.
Modern gifts
Gadgets, books, games, accessories, etc.
Online gifts
E-cards, vouchers, subscriptions, etc.
Greetings are also a way of conveying the best wishes and sentiments of siblings on Raksha Bandhan. Some popular greetings are:
Happy Raksha Bandhan to my dearest brother/sister. You are the best gift I ever received from God. I love you and cherish you always.
You are not just my brother/sister, but my best friend, my mentor, and my guardian angel. Thank you for being there for me always. Happy Raksha Bandhan.
No matter how far we are, our hearts are always connected by the bond of love and protection. I miss you and pray for your happiness and success. Happy Raksha Bandhan.
You are the most precious and priceless person in my life. I am blessed to have you as my brother/sister. May God shower you with his grace and blessings. Happy Raksha Bandhan.
You are the reason for my smile, my joy, and my strength. You make me feel proud and special every day. I wish you all the best on this auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
How to make Raksha Bandhan special?
Tips and ideas for celebrating the festival
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that can be made more memorable and enjoyable by following some tips and ideas. Some of them are:
Plan a surprise visit or a video call with your sibling if you are living apart.
Make a handmade Rakhi or a card for your sibling to show your creativity and affection.
Prepare a delicious meal or a cake for your sibling to treat their taste buds.
Watch a movie or a show together that reminds you of your childhood memories.
Play some games or activities that you both enjoy and have fun.
Quotes and wishes for the festival
Quotes and wishes are another way of expressing your feelings and emotions for your sibling on Raksha Bandhan. Some of them are:
"A brother is a friend given by nature." - Jean Baptiste Legouve
"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life." - Isadora James
"The bond between a sister and brother sometimes tightly woven, sometimes loosely held but never broken." - Anonymous
"There is no better friend than a sister. And there is no better sister than you." - Anonymous
"Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet." - Vietnamese Proverb
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the love and protection between brothers and sisters. It is a day to honor the sacred relationship of siblinghood, which transcends blood ties. It is a day to express gratitude, respect, and affection for each other. It is a day to make promises, exchange gifts, and share blessings. It is a day to make Raksha Bandhan special.
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FAQs
When is Raksha Bandhan in 2023?
Raksha Bandhan in 2023 is on Monday, August 7.
What are the different names of Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is also known as Rakhi Purnima, Rakhi, Rakhri, Saluno, Ujjwal Silono, etc. in different regions and languages of India.
What are the different types of Rakhis?
Rakhis can be of various types such as silk Rakhis, zari Rakhis, pearl Rakhis, silver Rakhis, gold Rakhis, diamond Rakhis, etc.
Can sisters tie Rakhis to other male relatives or friends?
Yes, sisters can tie Rakhis to other male relatives or friends who they consider as brothers or well wishers.
Can brothers tie Rakhis to their sisters?
Yes, brothers can also tie Rakhis to their sisters as a gesture of love and protection.
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