Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi as it is called is one of the most awaited festivals in India. Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the relationship shared between a brother and a sister. Rakhi is a thoughtful and unique celebrations of its kind which is celebrated with lot of fanfare and excitement. Rakhi brings together people of all sects and is much appreciated for this unifying element that it brings with it. A sister ties a decorative thread called ‘Rakhi’ on the wrists of her brother symbolising her love and affection for her brother. The brother in return vows to protect his sister during all times and also buys his sister attractive gifts.
When is Raksha Bandhan?
Full moon day of the month of Shraavan (as per Hindu
calendar) in the months of July and August is when Raksha Bandhan is celebrated. Since Rakhi is celebrated as per the Hindu calendar the dates usually vary year after year. Check out the following dates:
In 2009- Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Wednesday, 5th of August.
In 2010- Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Tuesday, 24th of August.
What is Rakhi Ceremony?
The beautiful bond shared between a brother and sister is what gets celebrated on the day of Rakhi. The festival of Rakhi is eagerly awaited and lot of preparations go into ensuring that the day of Rakhi is a memorable day for the brother and the sister. Rakhi the sacred thread tied to a brother’s wrist is selected by the sister who ensures that she has chosen the brightest and the best designed Rakhi for her brother. Sweets are also chosen and along with the Rakhi, vermillion and few grains of rice form part of the Rakhi pooja thali. On this festival occasions gifts are exchanged and special Rakhi Recipes like Ghevarr, Vermicelli Kheer, Malpua, Kesar Burfi, Pista Sandeshs & Rava Laddoo are prepared.
What is Raksha Bandhan?
Raksha Bandhan is a festival which strengthens and celebrates the precious bond shared between a brother and a sister. Also known as Rakhi the festival of Raksha Bandhan is a day when the relationship shared between a brother and a sister is celebrated amongst beautiful Indian traditions and customs.
Rakhi Celebrations in India
Many different traditions are followed during the day of Raksha Bandhan some of the special ones include:
» Rakhi in India (West): Nariyal (Coconut) Purnima is celebrated in the west on the day of Raksha Bandhan. Coconuts are thrown in to the sea as a mark of respect and offering to Lord Varuna.
» Rakhi in India (South): In the southern part of India the day of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Avani Avittam. This day is auspicious especially for the Brahmin community as they change their religious symbol of janeyu (holy thread) amidst chanting of mantras.
» Rakhi in India (North): Rakhi Purnima also called Kajri Navami and Kajri Purnima is a celebration in North India when wheat is sown. Goddess Bhagwati is worshiped and the farmers seek her blessings for a good crop.
» Rakhi in India (East): Rakhi ceremony was initiated long back in 1905 by Rabindranath Tagore in Shanti Niketan and the custom is still followed religiously by the students of Shanti Niketan.
Importance of Raksha Bandhan Festival
Almost all the festivals celebrated in India act as a unifying factor in bringing together people of India. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is no exception as this beautiful festival of India also binds people together in a display of . Raksha Bandhan celebrates a very precious relationship shared between a brother and a sister. The day of Raksha Bandhan has over a period of time gained tremendous importance in India. Rakhi signifies a bond of love and care between a brother and his sister and contributes towards the social harmony of India. One can clearly witness celebrations and involvement in the festival of Rakhi by people cutting across man-made barriers like religion, caste, color, etc. and reaching out to each other. This display of oneness is what makes Raksha Bandhan a special and important festivals of India.
Different Types of Rakhi Threads
Keeping up with time, the Rakhi Thread has become more fashionable and trendy. It flaunts the amalgamation of tradition and modern lifestyle
of people. Modern rakhi is available in different shapes, sizes and materials. It can even be made of gold attached with diamonds. In the Indian market, few interesting varieties of rakhi are as the following:
» Beads Rakhi
» Cartoon Rakhi, Toy Rakhi
» Currency Note/Coin Rakhi
» Floral Rakhi
» Gold-Silver coated Rakhi
» Musical Rakhi
» Divine Rakhi – Ram Rakhi, Shree-Om Rakhi
» Resham Rakhi
» Sandalwood Rakhi
» Bhaiya-Bhabhi Rakhi
Different Rakhi Thalis
The beautifully decorated Rakhi Thali gives an impression of your love and care for your brother. The thali contains one diya, tika or roli, rice, beatle leaves, rakhi thread, flowers
and incense sticks. The thali is either of silver, brass or simply of steel. Sweets sometimes add to the decor of the thali. Few types of Rakhi Thali are cited below:
» Floral Thali
» Sweets Rakhi Thali
» Painted Thali
» Choco-toffee Thali
» Roli-turmeric Thali
The History of Raksha Bandhan Festival
The Tale of Lord Bali and Goddess Laxmi
The king of devils Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. One day Bali approached to Lord Vishnu for safeguarding his kingdom. Lord Vishnu took this task and decided to leave his heavenly home, but Goddess Laxmi wanted his husband not to leave his home. She reached to the house of Bali as a camouflaged Brahmin woman and asked for shelter.
On Shravan Purnima day Laxmi Ji tied a sacred thread on the wrist of King Bali and revealed her purpose for being there. Touched by the concern of Laxmi Ji towards her family, King Bali requested Lord Vishnu to live with her.
Therefore the Rakhi festival is also called ‘Baleva’ that means the devotion of King Bali to Lord Vishnu.
A Mahabharata Tale
Before the battle of Mahabharata, Lord Krishna told Yudhisthir, elder Pandava brother, to perform rakhi ceremony which would act as a shield for him and his army. Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, tied a thread on Lord Krishna’s wrist, seeking his blessings for her husbands.
King Porus and Alexandar’s wife
Another rakhi tale comes from the battle between Alexander the Greek king, and Porus, the Hindu king. Wife of Alexander sent a sacred thread to Porus, asking him not to harm her husband in battle. In accordance with Hindu traditions, Porus gave full respect to rakhi. In the battlefield, when Porus was about to deliver a final blow on Alexander, he saw the rakhi on his hand and restrained himself from attacking Alexander personally.
Ways of Sending Rakhis?
Rakshabandhan festival is all about love, care and righteousness. Tying of a frail Rakhi thread- that is considered more stronger than iron chains-has been the tradition of this festival since the time immemorial. Even today the customs and traditions are the same but the way of celebrating the Rakhi festival has been changed. Different ways are used to express the emotions attached with the relationship.