Raksha Bandhan 2022: It's Muhurta, History and Significance

This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on two days

Though there is Bhadra throughout the 11th August, the nivaas or residence of this Bhadra is in Pataal lok and therefore it is not considered inauspicious for us.

Raksha Bandhan story origins can be found in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Lord Krishna once injured his finger and it began to bleed. As soon as Draupadi noticed this she got worried and immediately tore a piece of tiny cloth from the edge of her saree and tied it on Lord Krishna's finger to stop the bleeding. This piece of cloth then became a sacred thread which personified their eternal love for each other. Since then this thread was considered as the symbol of the love between the brother and the sister, where Draupadi symbolically regarded this thread as her confidence in her brother that he will always be there for her and for Lord Krishna, it depicted the promise he made to Draupadi that he will protect her throughout her life.

This sacred bond between Shri Krishna and Draupadi was observed during the game of ‘Chauras’ played between the Pandavas and Kauravas. During Draupadi’s humiliation experience of vastra haran, Lord Krishna appears to protect her and restores Draupadi's dignity. This was the way Lord Krishna ensured that he fulfilled the promise made to his sister.

In this festival of Raksha Bandhan, a girl ties a rakhi on her brother's wrist and he promises to look out for her just as Shri Krishna did for Draupadi, the act of Draupadi tying a piece of fabric on Krishna's injured finger is compared to that.

The other puranik story behind Raksha Bandhan is about Yama and his sister Yamuna. Once Yamuna was unhappy because her twin brother Yama had not visited her for almost 12 years. So Yamuna sought the help of Ganga, who advised Yama to pay a visit to his sister. Yamuna prepared a lavish feast in anticipation of her brother’s arrival. Yama was overjoyed by meeting his sister and he showered her with gifts and offered her a boon. An overjoyed Yamuna asked for a wish that he would visit her more often. In reciprocation, Yama granted her immortality that allowed her to see him as many times as she desired.

Being the most important celebration for siblings, preparations begin long in advance. Family members go shopping so they may dress up for the occasion. After everyone has dressed, the families gather to celebrate.

The celebrations are observed with great commitment and sincerity. Special efforts and thought is put in advance to make the Rakhis and sweets for this auspicious day. And on the big day, everyone in the family gets together to celebrate. Sisters decorate the puja thali, which includes roli, tilak, rice grains, rakhi strands, diya, and sweets. Following the rituals, sisters do aarti to their brothers and then apply tilak (kumkum powder) on their foreheads which symbolically indicates a prayer for their good health and prosperous long life, as well as protection. They then tie Rakhi and offer sweets to them as a gesture of affection, love, and care. Brothers, in turn, praise the sisters and promise to protect them. As a gesture of love and appreciation, brothers offer their sisters gifts and presents. As the ritual ends, the family connects to enjoy this wonderful day with their loved ones, spending the day together having fun with food and good times.

Rakhi is much more than just an auspicious occasion to Indians; it has a profound, personal significance attached to its thin thread that serves as a charming allegory for the most enduring friendships and relationships in the world.

Raksha Bandhan is mostly known as Rakhi Pournima in the northwest region of India.

Nariyal Pournima: Rakhi is mostly known as Nariyal Pournima of the Western Ghats in the coastal area of India. People pray to Lord Varuna the God of the Sea, to provide favorable winds during the upcoming monsoon season because the fishing population depends on the sea for life. They offer nariyal (coconuts) to God in order to appease Him since this fruit is considered auspicious because it is associated with Lord Shiva.

Kajari Pournima: Raksha Bandhan is known as Kajari Purnima in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh in the middle region of the country. On this day farmers pray to Goddess Bhagwati for a healthy harvest season.

Jhulan Pournima: In the east part of India it is celebrated as Jhulan Pournima. It represents a celebration of togetherness between Radha and Krishna's love. It is a week-long event that includes a spectacular show of dancing and singing, as well as the swings are decorated with flowers and beads. This is an important festival particularly for Vaishnavs.

Avani Avittam: Avani Avittam is celebrated in the southern part of India.It is the day for Brahmins. On this day Brahmins change their Janeu which is the divine thread people wear after taking a sacred dip. They change the thread which represents Prayashchit: this is penance for all past misdeeds. It is also a Mahasankalp, a commitment to live a life of dignity, kindness, and respect.