Raksha Bandhan 2023: Muhurta, History and Significance

The celebration of Rakhi Purnima starts on 30th August 2023 at 10:58 AM and will end on 31st August 2023 at 07:05 AM. The Auspicious Muhurta to perform the Rakhi tying ceremony on 30th August is from 9:01 PM to 07:05 AM. Plan your Raksha Bandhan rituals accordingly!

The origins of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Shri Krishna injured his finger, causing it to bleed. Seeing this, Draupadi quickly tore a small piece of cloth from her saree and tied it around Krishna's finger to stop the bleeding. This act turned the cloth into a sacred thread, symbolising eternal love.

Since then, the thread has been seen as a symbol of the bond between brother and sister. Draupadi's gesture symbolized her trust in Krishna, while for Krishna, it represented his promise to protect her throughout her life.

This bond was later observed during a game of ‘Chauras’ between the Pandavas and Kauravas. When Draupadi was humiliated through vastra haran, Krishna appeared to protect her, restoring her dignity and fulfilling his promise.

In Raksha Bandhan, a girl ties a Rakhi on her brother's wrist, symbolizing the same trust and promise of protection as demonstrated by Draupadi and Krishna.

Another ancient story connected to Raksha Bandhan is about Yama and his sister Yamuna. Yamuna was sad because Yama hadn't visited her in nearly 12 years. With the help of Ganga, she managed to get Yama to visit her. She prepared a feast for him, and Yama, in turn, showered her with gifts.

A delighted Yamuna asked Yama to visit her more often, and he granted her immortality so that she could see him as much as she desired.

These stories form the core essence of Raksha Bandhan, emphasizing the sacred bond of love, trust, and protection between siblings.

Raksha Bandhan, a prominent Indian festival, is a celebration of the bond between siblings. Preparations for this important day begin well in advance. Family members shop for special clothes and decorative items to dress up for the occasion.

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, everyone gathers together in festive attire. Sisters and other family members put special effort into preparing Rakhis and sweets for this auspicious event. The celebrations are marked by commitment and sincerity, with family members coming together to honour the day.

Roli, tilak, rice grains, rakhi strands, diya, and sweets are used to embellish the puja thali sisters. They perform aarti for their brothers and apply tilak on their foreheads, praying for their health and long life. They tie the Rakhi on their brother's wrists and offer them sweets, as a gesture of love and care.

Brothers reciprocate by praising their sisters and promising to protect them, often giving gifts and presents as a token of appreciation. The rituals are followed by a joyful family gathering filled with food, fun, and cherished moments.

The Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi is a significant part of the celebration. The ceremony starts with the preparation of a small pooja thali containing a diya, roli, rice grains, sweets, and Rakhi. Sisters perform Aarti, waving the lamp before their brothers and applying a tilak of roli on their foreheads. They tie the Rakhi and pray for the well-being of their brothers.

Brothers respond with gifts and a promise of protection. This ritual fosters a spiritual atmosphere, reinforcing the significance of Raksha Bandhan as a celebration of love, protection, and enduring relationships.

In the northwest region of India, Raksha Bandhan is predominantly known as Rakhi Purnima. The tradition and name vary by location but retain the essence of celebrating sibling love.

In the coastal areas of the Western Ghats, the festival is often referred to as Nariyal Pournima. This celebration focuses on praying to Lord Varuna, the God of the Sea, for favourable winds in the upcoming monsoon season. The fishing community relies heavily on the sea, and thus this prayer holds immense significance for them. Nariyal (coconuts) are offered to God as they are considered auspicious and are associated with Bhagwan Shiva.

Raksha Bandhan takes on the name Kajari Purnima in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh, located in the central region of the country. On this day, farmers gather to pray to Goddess Bhagwati for a prosperous harvest season. It's a reflection of the agricultural traditions and the importance of crops in these states.

In the eastern part of India, the festival is celebrated as Jhulan Purnima. This celebration represents the love and togetherness between Radha and Krishna. It's marked by a week-long event filled with dancing, singing, and the decoration of swings with flowers and beads. This is a special festival for the Vaishnav community and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Celebrated mainly in the southern part of India, Avani Avittam is a significant day for Brahmins. On this day, they change their Janeu (sacred thread) after taking a sacred dip. This ritual signifies Prayashchit, or penance for past misdeeds, and serves as a Mahasankalp, a commitment to living a life filled with dignity, kindness, and respect.