About Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)
The bonding between a brother and a sister is simply unique and is beyond description in words. The relationship between siblings is extraordinary and is given importance in every part of the world. However, when it comes to India, the relationship becomes all the more important as there is a festival called “Raksha Bandhan”. This festival is dedicated to sibling love.
This is a special Hindu festival which is celebrated in India and countries like Nepal to symbolize the love between a brother and a sister. The occasion of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar in the month of Shravana which typically falls in the August month of Gregorian calendar. This year Rakshabandhan will be celebrated on Monday i.e. 3 August, 2020
Importance of Raksha Bandhan among various religions in India
- Hinduism- The festival is mainly celebrated by the Hindus in the northern and western parts of India along with countries like Nepal, Pakistan and Mauritius.
- Sikhism- This festival devoted to the brother-sister love is observed by the Sikhs as “Rakhardi” or Rakhari.
- Jainism- The occasion is also revered by the Jain community where Jain priests give ceremonial threads to the devotees.
Origin of Raksha Bandhan Festival
The history of Rakshabandhan dates back to Hindu mythology. As per Hindu mythology, in Mahabharata, the great Indian epic, Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas had torn the corner of her sari to prevent Lord Krishna’s wrist from bleeding (he had inadvertently hurt himself). Thus, a bond, that of brother and sister developed between them, and he promised to protect her.
It is also a great sacred verse of unity, acting as a symbol of life’s advancement and a leading messenger of togetherness. Raksha means protection, and in some places in medieval India, where women felt unsafe, they tie Rakhi on the wrist of men, regarding them as brothers. In this way, Rakhi strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, and revives the emotional bonding. Brahmins change their sacred thread (janoi) on this day, and dedicate themselves once again to the study of the scriptures.
Reason for the celebration of this festival
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is observed as a symbol of duty between brothers and sisters. The occasion is meant to celebrate any type of brother-sister relationship between men and women who may not be biologically related.
On this day, a sister ties a rakhi around the wrist of her brother in order to pray for his prosperity, health and well-being. The brother in return offers a gifts and promises to protect his sister from any harm and under every circumstance. The festival is also celebrated between brother-sister belonging to distant family members, relatives or cousins.
Raksha Bandhan 2020 Tithi
Purnima Tithi begins at 9:28 PM on August 2 and ends at 9:28 PM on August 3.
Raksha Bandhan 2020 Shubh Muhurat
The Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi can be tied anytime between 9:28 in the morning to 9:17 at night.
However, the best time to tie the sacred thread would be Aparahna Muhurat which is between 1:48 PM to 4:29 PM
And in case, you miss the Aparahna muhurat, you may opt for the Praodsh time which starts at about 7:10 PM and shall last up to 9:17 PM.
Time to avoid for tying Rakhi
People must avoid the Bhadra period, which usually falls in the early first-half of the Purnima day.
Bhdra Panchha – 5:16 AM to 6:28 AM
Bhadra Mukha: 6:28 AM to 8:28 AM
Bhdra ends at 9:28 AM.
Raksha Bandhan Mantra or Rakhi Mantra
Rakshasutra Mantra in Sanskrit
येन बद्धो बलि राजा, दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः |
तेन त्वां मनुबध्नामि, रक्षंमाचल माचल ||
Rakshasutra Mantra in English
Yen Baddho Bali Raja Danavendro Mahabalah|
Ten Tvaamabhibadhnaami Rakshe Maachal Maachal||
Rakshasutra Mantra meaning
I tie you with the same Raksha thread which tied the most powerful, the king of courage, the king of demons, Bali. O Raksha (Raksha Sutra), please don’t move and keep fixed throughout the year.