Rakhi Festival: Its Significance and Importance for Indians

The festival of Raksha Bandhan or, as it is more often called, Rakhi, falls on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (July – August).

Here, rakhi defines Safety and Bandhan defines Bond.

On this day, ritual ablutions are performed on the banks of rivers, lakes, and ponds, coconuts are thrown into the sea as an offering to the God of waters Varuna.

Particularly, Raksha Bandhan is of great importance to brothers and sisters in India. The main ritual of the holiday consists of tying a consecrated rakhi cord around the brother’s wrist. By this, the sister wishes her brother’s well-being and prosperity, while the brother vows to protect her from all troubles and help in all problems. 

Days before the celebration, the markets are full of crowds. Several street vendors sell rakhi made by themselves. Also, There are many Rakhi delivery online Services that offer a wide range of unique Rakhi designs. However, they also offer impressive gift hampers and doorstep deliveries. Many leverage these services and find them convenient.

How is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated in India?

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great joy throughout India. The preparations for the celebration begin in the morning. 

On this day, the tilak is applied by the sisters on the brother’s forehead and ties a rakhi (sacred thread) to the wrist, and performs aarti. They pray for their brother’s long and good life. The thread symbolizes the sublime and loves sentiments that are a bond of protection.  

Everyone prefers to wear national clothes. Men mainly wear the kurta-pajama costume, while women prefer to wear the sari or salwar-kameez. For the occasion, special dishes are prepared that include sweet and savory food.

Significance of Rakhi

As of now, we know that this festival is all about protection. History says that this festival began when Rani Karnavati who was Chittor’s widow gave Rakhi to Humayun, a great Mughal emperor when she was in trouble and needed help. There are sayings that Draupadi has also tied this thread of bond to Lord Krishna. History has much to reveal about rakhi. Let’s readout:

• The story is related to the Mugal age when there were conflicts between Mughals and Rajputs. According to folklore, when the widowed Queen Chitor, Karnavati, noticed a crisis in her country, she gave a Rakhi to the Mughal ruler Humayun and asked for help to guard her against the invasion by Gujarat’ Bahadur Shah. The rakhi sent by Kanawati insists Humayun quickly grant an army to protect her to Chittor.

• According to history, Draupadi tore off a piece of her saree and tied it to the wrist of Krishna, thereby preventing Krishna from suffering from wounds on the battlefield. Krishna subsequently considered her his sister. In consideration of this, Lord Krishna saved Draupadi when Kaurav’s abused her among Pandavas who lost her in gambling.

• Raksha Bandhan also discovered that it is related to the birth of the goddess Santoshi, and in many other related fables, the relationship between king Bali and goddess Laxmi.

• It is also considered that Rakhi was also accompanied by Yama (the god of death) and his sister the Yamuna (river). The Yamuna binds Rakhi and Yama and offers immortality.

No matter what the myths or stories related to this festival are, Indians celebrate it with a touch of modernity. Its importance is not confined to ordinary people and their families, also politicians regard Raksha Bandhan as a great tradition. Each year, prime ministers, presidents, and celebrities received rakhi from across the country.

The Message of Rakshan Bandhan

Rakhi signifies the unparalleled bond of love, respect, and care. But from a general perspective, this festival sends the inner message of universal sisterhood and brotherhood. Therefore, the Rakhi festival sends a message of social spiritual significance, emphasizing the need to cultivate the purity of positive qualities, thoughts, speech, and behavior.

Remain Safe!

That being said, as the fear of the COVID third wave yet lingers, it is necessary to assure that you comply with all guidelines and celebrate this holiday safely in your gatherings only. Also, if you get your vaccination done, make sure to wear a mask and avoid participating in large gatherings. People go out and move, so positive cases are rising, so it is necessary to guarantee that safety procedures are followed. If you have been in connection with a COVID-positive person or feel unwell, do not move out or make sure to wear a double-layer mask.

Happy Raksha Bandhan to all. Stay well and stay safe! Thanks for reading!