Among the various festivals celebrated in India, Raksha Bandhan is one of the most popular ones. The preparation for this starts almost a month before the actual day. People shop for new clothes, and sisters buy beautiful Rakhis to tie around their brother's wrists. 

As it's a festival to honor the bond between brothers and sisters, everyone waits for the day to come sooner. No matter where everyone is, with the day approaching, people start uniting to celebrate this joyful and auspicious occasion with their loved ones. 

And even if the circumstances are such that they can't be together, sisters make sure to send rakhi to their beloved brothers. In return, the brothers send gifts.

As Raksha Bandhan 2024 is around the corner, let's learn about the history, significance, and correct timings.

When is Rakhi 2024?- Date and Muhurat

People from different cultures celebrate Rakhi, known as Raksha Bandhan, each year on the last day of the holy Shravan month.  

The festival is also popular as Rakhi Purnima because it's celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan month. 

This year, Raksha Bandhan is on 19 Aug, 2024, and the auspicious muhurat commences at 03:04 AM on Aug 19, 2024. 

Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi

The Raksha Bandhan festival is believed to have originated centuries ago. And several stories from Hindu Mythology serve as proof of its ancient origin. 

One of the most renowned legends revolves around Indra Dev, the mighty God of sky, thunder, and war, who won a fight against the Demons after getting a "Protective, holy thread" tied on his wrist by his wife, Goddess Sachi Devi. 

Another legend talks about how Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on the wrist of Lord Krishna when he hurt his finger while fighting evil. Krishna, touched by the gesture, promised to protect Draupadi.

There is also one tale that says how the two sons of Lord Ganesha, Shubh and Labh, were annoyed because they didn't have a sister. As a result, Lord Ganesha created Maa Santoshi with the help of divine flames. And the two sons celebrated Raksha Bandhan with her. 

Another legend talks about how Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor, Humayun, seeking his protection from the incoming invasion from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Even while in the middle of another war himself, Humayun sent his troops to her aid. Unfortunately, he arrived late, but it still tells us of Humayun's gesture and symbolizes the significance of Rakhi.

In 1905, at the time of the Partition of Bengal, Guru Rabindranath Tagore used the sacred thread of Rakhi to host a mass Raksha Bandhan festival, signify and instill a feeling of unity and love between Hindus and Muslims of Bengal, a move to counter the Divide and Rule policy of British.

Origin of Raksha Bandhan 

The Raksha Bandhan festival is believed to have originated centuries ago. And several stories from Hindu Mythology serve as proof of its ancient origin. 

One of the most renowned legends revolves around Indra Dev, the mighty God of sky, thunder, and war, who won a fight against the Demons after getting a "Protective, holy thread" tied on his wrist by his wife, Goddess Sachi Devi. 

Another legend talks about how Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on the wrist of Lord Krishna when he hurt his finger while fighting evil. Krishna, touched by the gesture, promised to protect Draupadi.

The legend of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi also accounts for the Raksha Bandhan celebration. Upon defeating King Bali and winning the three worlds back from him, King Bali requested Lord Vishnu to stay with him at the palace. Lord Vishnu agreed, but Goddess Lakshmi wanted him to return back to Vaikunth. 

Hence, she made Bali her brother by tying a rakhi on his wrist and asking him to free Lord Vishnu from the vow. As a brother, Bali had to oblige the request, and Lord Vishnu returned to Vaikunth with Goddess Lakshmi.

There is also one tale that says how the two sons of Lord Ganesha, Shubh and Labh, were annoyed because they didn't have a sister. As a result, Lord Ganesha created Maa Santoshi with the help of divine flames. And the two sons celebrated Raksha Bandhan with her. 

History Behind Raksha Bandhan

From legends originating from Hindu mythological texts dating back to the era of Gods and Goddesses to the period of Indian History under the British Raj, there lies a number of interesting legends associated with the holy occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

There is also a notable legend when Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, sent a Rakhi to Mughal Emperor, Humayun, seeking his protection from the incoming invasion from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Even while in the middle of another war himself, Humayun sent his troops to her aid. Unfortunately, he arrived late, but it still tells us of Humayun's gesture and symbolizes the significance of Rakhi.

In 1905, at the time of the Partition of Bengal, Guru Rabindranath Tagore used the sacred thread of Rakhi to host a mass Raksha Bandhan festival, signify and instill a feeling of unity and love between Hindus and Muslims of Bengal, a move to counter the Divide and Rule policy of British.

These are some of the famous legends we associate with the auspicious event. From ancient times to the present day, Rakhi is still celebrated with the same spirits, signifying the bond of love, friendship, and protection for loved ones.

What is the Significance of Celebrating Raksha Bandhan? 

Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful Indian festival that brings joy to everyone celebrating. The festival follows a long-standing tradition of honoring the cherished and unbreakable bond of brothers and sisters. 

The name- Raksha Bandhan literally means "the bond of care and protection." It signifies the rooted connection, loyalty, respect, and love between siblings and cousins. 

The festival also brings different families closer that celebrate it together and strengthen bonds. 

How is India going to celebrate Raksha Bandhan 2024?  

The day of Raksha Bandhan usually begins with the family members getting up early in the morning to start preparing for the festivities for the rest of the day. 

Moreover, Raksha Bandhan isn't just limited to the celebration of siblings' bond. Just like every festival in India, Raksha Bandhan, too, has its variations across the country, in different states and regions.

In central India regions like Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, the day is marked by the celebration of Kajari Purnima and the worshipping of Goddess Bhagwati, commencing the agricultural season. 

In Southern India, Raksha Bandhan is called Avani Avittam. On this day, the male Brahmins take a holy dip in the water, followed by changing the holy thread “Janeu” Brahmins wear across their bodies, seeking "Prayashchit".

In western coastal regions, to welcome the new fishing season after the heavy rains, locals offer coconuts to the ocean, called Nariyal Purnima to pay their respects to Lord Varun.

In West Bengal, along with Rakhi celebrations, the day is observed as Jhulan Purnima, to pray and commemorate the romance of Radha and Krishna after a week-long celebration.

In some communities, mainly among Rajasthani and Marwaris, for families with married brothers, there exists a ritual, in which the sisters tie Lumba Rakhi on the bangles of their sister-in-law to signify her being the better half of the brother. It is a special celebration for cherishing sisters-in-law as a part of the family.

FAQs

Q. What is the date for the Raksha Bandhan celebration in 2024?

A. Rakhsha Bandhan in 2024 will be celebrated on 19th August, Monday.

Q. Are there any regional variations for celebrating Raksha Bandhan across different parts of India?

A. Raksha Bandhan, in addition to celebrating the sacred brother-sister bond, is accompanied by several regional celebrations in India. For example, Maharashtra celebrates Narali Purnima, Madhya Pradesh celebrates Kajari Purnima, West Bengal celebrates Jhulan Purnima, etc.

Q. Is Rakhi tying only limited to brothers?

A.  There are Indian states that have special rituals for Rakhi dedicated to other family members. For example, Rajasthan celebrates Lumba Rakhi, where sisters tie Rakhi to their sisters-in-law. In Telangana, there is a tradition where daughters tie Rakhis to their fathers. Furthermore, in families with only female siblings, sisters also tie each other Rakhis.

Q. What countries celebrate Rakhi outside India?

A.  Outside India, Rakhi is celebrated with the same zeal in Nepal and Mauritius. Furthermore, Indians residing in foreign countries like USA, UK, and Australia celebrate Rakhi together with various Indian organizations in these countries.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, Rakhi is all about celebrating familial love and the promise of protecting and having the back of your loved ones. The sacred thread of Rakhi weaves a bond of eternal love and trust between siblings, reminding us once again how rich and fascinating Indian traditions are, and how we should appreciate our family relationships. With Rakhsha Bandhan celebrations just around the corner, make sure to stock up on the Special Rakhi essentials and gifts to surprise your siblings. Here is to wishing you a happy and joyous Rakhi