Raksha Bandhan 2021: Date, Timings, History, Significance, and Celebration
Raksha Bandhan 2021: The day celebrates the auspicious relationship between brother and sister. Rakhi is a decorative thread that sisters tie on the wrist of their brothers and pray for them.
It is observed on the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana. This year, it will be celebrated on August 22.
No doubt sacred feelings and well wishes reside within Rakhi. The festival is mostly celebrated in North India. Do you know the story behind the Rakhi festival? Why is it celebrated? What are the mythological stories associated with the Rakhi festival? Let us have a look!
Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time
This year, the Aparahna muhurat is between 01:42 pm to 04:18 pm. And the Raksha Bandhan thread ceremony time is 06:15 am to 05:31 pm.
Raksha Bandhan: History
The Raksha Bandhan festival's history dates back to Hindu mythology. There are several stories behind the Raksha Bandhan festival. Some are given below.
According to Hindu mythology, the great Indian epic, in Mahabharata, Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas had torn the corner of her sari to prevent Lord Krishna's wrist from bleeding because Lord Krishna had inadvertently hurt himself. Thus, a bond between brother and sister developed between them and he promised to protect her.
Another story of Rakhi is associated with Rani Karnavati of Chittor and the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Rani Karnavati was the widowed queen of the King of Chittor. Her kingdom was attacked by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat and she realised that she will not be able to protect her kingdom from the invasion of the Sultan of Gujarat. Therefore, she sent a Rakhi thread to Mughal Emperor Humayun. The Emperor was overwhelmed by the gesture and started off towards Chittor with his troops without wasting time to protect Chittor from the invasion.
Rakhi festival is a great sacred verse of unity. It acts as a symbol of life's advancement and a leading messenger of togetherness. Raksha means protection and in some places in medieval India, when women felt unsafe, they tie Rakhi on the wrist of men or send Rakhi regarding them as brothers. In this way, the Rakhi festival is a sacred festival that strengthens the bond of love and affection between brothers and sisters and revives emotional bonding. On this day, Brahmins change their sacred thread (janoi) and dedicate themselves once again to the study of the scriptures.
Raksha Bandhan: Significance
Raksha Bandhan is a sacred and beautiful festival where sisters dress up beautifully to celebrate the special occasion with their brothers. Sisters tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers and pray for their long life and prosperous future. Rakhi holds great emotional and religious significance. The festival symbolises the true feelings of the siblings, the nature of the promise that they will be together, whether in happiness or in pain. It strengthens the relationship between brother and sister and ensures togetherness. So, celebrate the festival and every moment with your brother and sister and have a wonderful Raksha Bandhan.
Raksha Bandhan: Celebration
The eternal festival brings the whole family together. The day starts with dressing up in traditional attires. Sweets, gifts, chocolates, etc. are brought. Sister ties Rakhi on her brother's wrist performs aarti, puts kumkum with chawal on the forehead of the brother, and prays for his long life, well-being. Also, offer sweets to his brother or sweetens the mouth with a delicacy. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters to express their love and also promise that they will protect lifetime.
So now you may have come to know the story behind the Rakhi festival. Enjoy the day, Happy Raksha Bandhan!
