Raksha Bandhan 2024: When Is Rakhi? Know Date, Timings, Shubh Muhurat, History, Significance, Puja Vidhi

Happy Raksha Bandhan 2024: Raksha Bandhan is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals about brothers and sisters showing love and protection for each other. It happens on the full moon day in August. Sisters tie a special thread called a "Rakhi" around their brothers' wrists to wish them well.

Brothers give gifts and promise to take care of their sisters. The festival is not just for biological siblings but for cousins, close friends, and adopted siblings too. It's all about showing love and care within the family.

Families get together on Raksha Bandhan. Sisters do a special ritual for their brothers, tie the Rakhi, give sweets and gifts, and pray for their brothers' long and happy lives. Brothers also give presents to their sisters to show they care. It's a happy time with lots of laughter, strengthening the bond between siblings.

Raksha Bandhan 2024 image | Photo: Canva

In recent times, Raksha Bandhan has become more inclusive, with people from different religions and cultures celebrating it as a symbol of love and togetherness. It's not just for Hindus anymore; people from all over India and the world join in the celebration.

When is Raksha Bandhan 2024?

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that is dedicated to brothers and sisters or we can say celebrates the bond of love and protection between siblings. Every year the festival is observed on Purnima Tithi (Full Moon day) in the month of Shravan. This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Monday, August 19, as per Drikpachang.

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) 2024 shubh muhurat

Time to avoid for Rakhi tying ceremony

People must avoid the Bhadra period, which usually falls in the early first half of Purnima day.

Meaning of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival's name comes from the Sanskrit words "Raksha" meaning "protection" and "Bandhan" meaning "bond" or "tie."

Raksha Bandhan history

Raksha Bandhan has stories from history and mythology that explain its importance. One story says that in old times, queens would send threads to kings as a sign of friendship and protection. Though the exact origins aren't clear, there are many tales linked to the festival:

Indra and Indrani:

In this myth, when the god Indra was in trouble, his wife, Sachi (also called Indrani), tied a thread around his wrist to protect him in battle. With her help, Indra won, and this tradition of tying a thread became a symbol of sibling love and protection.

Krishna and Draupadi:

In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna hurt his finger in a fight. Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, used her saree to stop the bleeding. Touched by her care, Krishna promised to help her whenever she needed. This story shows the bond between siblings.

Yama and Yamuna:

Another tale tells of Yamuna, the river goddess, tying a thread to her brother Yama, the god of death. Yama was moved by her love and promised that any brother who gets a thread from his sister and vows to protect her will live forever.

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi:

According to another legend, King Bali was blessed by Goddess Lakshmi, who disguised herself as a Brahmin woman and tied a thread on his wrist. Touched by her gesture, Bali promised to protect her. This story highlights the bond between siblings and the duty to care for each other.

These stories add meaning to Raksha Bandhan. On this day, sisters tie threads (Rakhis) around their brothers' wrists, and brothers promise to protect them. It's a day to celebrate love, care, and the bond between siblings.

Raksha Bandhan Significance

Raksha Bandhan is a significant festival celebrated in India and other parts of the Indian subcontinent, particularly by Hindus. It's a traditional Hindu festival that honours the bond between brothers and sisters. The term "Raksha Bandhan" translates to "the bond of protection" or "a knot of protection." This festival holds several key significances. Firstly, it celebrates the unique relationship between brothers and sisters.?

Sisters tie a sacred thread called a "Rakhi" around their brothers' wrists as a symbol of love, protection, and goodwill, signifying the unbreakable bond of love and the duty of brothers to protect their sisters. Secondly, the Rakhi thread symbolizes the sister's prayers for her brother's well-being and serves as a reminder for him to safeguard and protect her from any harm, believed to have protective powers warding off evil influences.?

Thirdly, Raksha Bandhan provides an opportunity for siblings to express their love, care, and affection for each other through the exchange of gifts and promises. Additionally, it brings families together, regardless of geographical distances, strengthening familial ties. Moreover, Raksha Bandhan promotes harmony and unity in society, encouraging individuals to care for and protect one another.?

Lastly, the festival has historical and mythological roots, believed to have been practised since ancient times, with stories of queens and women sending Rakhis to neighbouring kings for protection during times of war, and myths like the tale of Lord Krishna and Draupadi, emphasizing its significance. Overall, Raksha Bandhan is a time to cherish family bonds, express love, and promote unity within communities.

Raksha Bandhan 2024 Puja Vidhi

• Take a bath and wear clean clothes as a sign of purity before starting the puja.
• Take a thali (plate) and place the following items on it - Rakhi threads, Rice grains, Kumkum (vermilion) or sandalwood paste, Akshat (unbroken rice grains), Sweets or any other offerings, Diya (lamp) and incense sticks Light the Diya: Light the diya and the incense sticks as a symbol of divine presence.
• Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings for a successful and auspicious ceremony. You can chant the Ganesh mantra or any other prayers that you are familiar with.
• Apply tilak (kumkum or sandalwood paste) on your brother's forehead and perform aarti by rotating the thali around him in a clockwise direction while chanting aarti mantras or singing devotional songs.
• Take the Rakhi thread and tie it around your brother's right wrist. You can also express your love and affection for your brother while tying the Rakhi.
• After tying the Rakhi, give gifts and sweets to your brother as a token of your love and appreciation. In return, your brother may also offer you gifts or a token of love.
• A younger brother should take blessings from his sister and touch her feet as a mark of respect and gratitude.
• Prepare a special meal or favourite dishes for your brother and enjoy a meal together as a family.

These are general guidelines for performing the Raksha Bandhan puja. The specific rituals and customs may vary based on regional traditions and family preferences. It is always a good idea to consult with elders or family members for any specific customs or rituals that may be followed in your family.

Raksha Bandhan 2023: Mantra

While tying Rakhi to brother, sister should chant below mantra:

‘Yen Badho Balli Raja, Danvendro Mahabalah

Ten Tvaamabhibadhnaami Rakshe Maachal Maachal.'

The meaning of Raksha Mantra is as following -

"I tie you with the same Raksha thread which tied the most powerful, the king of courage, the king of demons, Bali. O Raksha (Raksha Sutra), please don't ove and keep fixed throughout the year."

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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