Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, a popular festival, which is celebrated across the country. This festival has no barriers of caste and creed; people from all walks of life participate in this festival. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month Shravana (Shravana Poornima) which also coincides with Upa-karma (changing the sacred thread for the Brahmins, Avani Avittom in South India). The festival is also called as Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal Poornima and Kajari Poornima in different states and is celebrated differently.
Raksha Bandhan is the combination of two words, Raksha and Bandhan. Raksha means ‘protection’ and Bandhan means ‘bond’. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie silk thread known as Rakhi, on their brother’s wrists and in return the brother’s assure to protect them from all kinds of trouble. The brother’s take oath of protecting and the same is acknowledged by the sisters, who pray for their well-being.
Celebration of Raksha Bandhan
The family members take bath early in the morning and get ready as the customs proceed. Sister’s prepare the thali which consists of kumkum, rakhi, grains of rice, and sweets. A sister generally applies tilak on the forehead, ties the sacred thread called Rak on the wrist of her brother and prays for his good health & long life.
Mythology Says:
Indra and Sachi Devi : As per Bhavishya Purana, Indra the King of Gods was advised by God Brihaspati to wear a rakhi as a protection against demons when he was facing defeat at the hands of Vritra Asura. So, Sachi Devi tied a rakhi on Indra’s wrist.
According to one more mythological story, rakhi was intended to be the worship of the sea-god Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at water front’s accompany this festival. Usually fishermen offer coconut and rakhi to the Sea God Varuna – hence this festival is also known as Nariyal Poornima.
Historical Stories
It is said that when Alexander was defeated at the hands of the great Hindu King Purushottam of Punjab, Alexander’s wife tied a rakhi to Purushottam to protect her husband from being slain.
During the days of Emperor Humayun, it is believed that Rani Karnavati (Queen of Chittor) had sent a rakhi to emperor Humayun in order to get protection from Bahadur Shah who was invading her kingdom inspite of being of a different religion, he rushed to her help. Although Humayun was not able to defend Karnavati, his acceptance to the Queen’s offer showcases his respect for the relationship. This incident holds great significance that represents the act of responsibility attached to the thread of Rakhi.
The Message of Rakhi
Raksha Bandhan symbolizes the unmatched bond of love, care and respect. But in a broader perspective the festival of Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) conveys an intrinsic message of universal brotherhood and sisterhood. Thus the festival of Rakhi conveys a message that has socio spiritual significance underscoring the need for nurturing of positive qualities, purity in thought, word and deed.