Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a joyous Hindu festival honoring the ties between brothers and sisters. It is a festival that heralds the unbreakable bond between siblings. With Raksha Bandhan quickly approaching, people are busy making preparations for the upcoming festival. The festival is celebrated every year on the full moon (Poornima Tithi) of the Hindu calendar month of Shravan Maas (Sawan Month).
On this day, brothers and sisters perform a variety of rituals to commemorate and celebrate one another. While sisters pray for their brothers’ long lives and abundant blessings by applying tilak to their foreheads and tying Rakhi around their wrists, brothers promise to look out for, care for, and spoil their sisters by showering them with gifts on this special day.
Raksha Bandhan 2023: When Is The Right Day And Time To Tie A Rakhi? Know All About The Date And Its Shubh Muhurat
The days of Raksha Bandhan this year are August 30 and 31. Drik Panchang suggests avoiding any Raksha Bandhan-related rituals on those two days because they fall within Bhadra Kaal, a period of time deemed inauspicious for carrying them out. Consequently, a rakhi can be tied on either of these two days. On the evening of August 30 at 9:01 p.m., Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Kaal will come to a close.
As a result, you can carry out rituals at this time. The Bhadra Poonch portion of Raksha Bandhan will take place on August 30 from 5:30 to 6:31 p.m., and the Bhadra Mukha portion will run from 6:31 p.m. to 8:11 p.m. On August 30 at 10:58 a.m., the full moon (Poornima Tithi) will begin, and it will last until August 31 at 7:05 a.m.
History And Significance Of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is an ancient Hindu festival with roots in the Aryan civilization from which it took its name. The many languages and cultures in India mean that each region has its own unique set of customs and rituals for celebrating the Rakhi festival. Evidence of the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan can be found throughout India’s history.
One of the fables associated with this festival is that of the Mahabharata. Legend has it that after killing Shishupal, Lord Krishna accidentally sliced his finger on the Sudarshan Chakra. In response, Draupadi ripped a piece of her Saree and tied it around his finger to staunch the bleeding. Her compassion moved Lord Krishna, who vowed to defend her at all costs. When the Kauravas publicly humiliated Draupadi in Hastinapur’s royal court, he kept his promise.
The story of Yama and Yamuna also has deep roots in this festival’s lore. Yama is the god of death, and Yamuna is the river goddess. Yamuna, the goddess of the river, is said to have pledged Yama’s protection against death by tying a thread around his wrist. The tradition of tying a rakhi (thread) around a brother’s wrist is said to have begun with this observance.
Why Should One Not Tie A Rakhi During Bhadra Kaal?
A Bhadra is not a good omen. She is the sister of Lord Shani Dev and the daughter of Lord Sun. Her inauspicious reputation stems from the legend that, at birth, she was on the verge of swallowing the entire planet. As a result, she is blamed for sabotaging rituals like Hawan and Yajna.
It is also widely believed that Shurpanakha tied Rakhi to Ravana in Bhadra Kaal, which ultimately led to the downfall of his kingdom and his death at the hands of Lord Rama.
Conclusion
On the other hand, times are changing. Sisters traditionally tie rakhi to their brothers, but now brothers are participating as well. Sisters also mark the occasion by exchanging Rakhi bracelets with one another.
In modern Hindu tradition, the Rakhi has taken on deeper symbolic significance. It highlights the value of the sibling relationship. In addition, the festival is an excuse for newlywed women to visit their families.
If you and your siblings plan to observe the holiday, you ought to be well-versed in its significance. Just keep reading to find out.
