
Raksha Bandhan is a festival honoring the bond between a brother and his sister. It celebrates the promise of safety made by a brother to his sister. This festival is celebrated on a full moon day or Purnima in the month of Sharavan as per the Hindu Panchang. This year, however, the festival will fall on 11th August.
Purnima Tithi Begins - 10:38 AM on Aug 11, 2022
Purnima Tithi Ends - 07:05 AM on Aug 12, 2022
Purnima Tithi Begins - 10:58 AM on Aug 30, 2023
Purnima Tithi Ends - 07:05 AM on Aug 31, 2023
On the day of this Hindu festival, sisters all around the country tie a sacred thread called Rakhi on their brother’s wrist. This decorative thread is a symbol of her unwavering faith in her brother and his promise to protect her against all evil. He pledges to keep her happy, making her smile against all odds. Sisters also pray for the long life of their brothers on this auspicious day. Gifts are an important element of this day as the brothers showcase their love by showering their sisters with gifts and blessings.
This festival stands for the unparalleled love and care that a brother’s heart harbors for his sister. However, looking at the larger picture, this festival symbolizes the spirit of brotherhood that is intrinsic to our nation. Hence, this festival not only has religious significance, but it also holds a deep meaning from the socio-spiritual point of view.
Furthermore, historically, this day is important because when Alexander the Great was defeated in battle by the Hindu king, Purushottam, Alexander’s wife tied a rakhi on the hand of King Purushottam. She did this to ensure the safety and well-being of her husband, protecting him from getting killed in the war. A similar story is popular regarding queen Karnavati of Chittor, who sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun. She sent the sacred thread to the emperor to seek his protection from Bahadur Shah, a ruthless invader who wanted to invade her kingdom. Humayun was touched by her request and rushed to help protect her.
This day is full of grand celebrations as sisters gear up to show their love to their brothers while brothers pamper them on this special day. Here are the puja vidhi steps for this auspicious day:
Take a ritualistic bath on the day of Sharavana Purnima before the sun rises.
The celebrations surrounding this day are full of excitement and joy. The entire country awaits this day to honor the exceptional bond between a brother and his sister. Mentioned below are some of the prominent rituals associated with this day-
Astrologically, this festival is celebrated on Sharavana Purnima that marks the end of the month of Shravana. From the religious standpoint, the threads of rakhi are not merely decorative; they are rather the Raksha sutra that is meant to ward off all evil and offer protection to its bearer. Astrologically, it is said that the celestial bodies of Mars, Jupiter, Moon, and Sun are connected to the nine sacred threads of rakhi. Each of these planets represents the younger sibling, the older sibling, mother, and father, respectively. The planet of Mars gets strengthened when sisters tie rakhi on their brother’s wrist. Hence, the significance of this festival runs very deep as per astrology.
According to the Bhavishya Purana, the king of the devtas, Indra wore a sacred thread of Rakhi to protect himself against the asuras or the demons when he fought against the demon, Vritra Asura. He did so according to the suggestions of his mentor, Dev Guru Brihaspati. Indra’s consort, Devi Sachi hence tied a Rakhi on the wrist of Indra to protect him.
Another legend states that the auspicious strings of Rakhi were meant to be dedicated to the sea God, Varuna. It is for this reason that on the occasion of the Raksha Bandhan festival, offerings of coconut are made to Varuna Dev while devotees flock to the sea for ceremonial baths. Fairs are organized on the water banks on this day of Nariyal Purnima, giving everyone yet another reason to celebrate.
The festival of Rakhi stands for a lot of positive qualities and reminds us to nurture love and respect in our relationships. It is a festival that exhibits purity in thoughts and actions and urges us to hold our actions in correspondence to our words.
To know more about the auspicious time of this festival and its celebrations, connect with Astroyogi astrologers today!