When Is Raksha Bandhan 2023? Date, Timings, Muhurat, History, Significance, Puja Vidhi, Wishes On Rakhi

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. The term "Raksha Bandhan" literally means "the bond of protection." It is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana (Full moon day), which usually falls in August of the Gregorian calendar.

On the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters across the country tie a sacred thread called a "Rakhi" around the wrist of their brothers. The rakhi symbolises the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and in return, the brother gives gifts to his sister and promises to protect and support her throughout her life.

Raksha Bandhan 2023 image | Photo: Freepik

Raksha Bandhan is not limited to biological siblings. It can also be celebrated between cousins, close friends, and even adopted brothers and sisters. The festival emphasises the importance of the bond between siblings and encourages love, care, and protection among family members.

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, families come together, and sisters perform aarti (a ritual of worship) for their brothers. They tie the rakhi on their brother's wrists, offer sweets and gifts and pray for his long and prosperous life. In turn, brothers give presents to their sisters as a token of their affection. The celebration is marked by joy, laughter, and the strengthening of the sibling bond.

In recent years, Raksha Bandhan has become more inclusive, with people from different religious and cultural backgrounds also celebrating the festival as a symbol of love and unity. It has transcended religious boundaries and is now cherished by people of various faiths across India and other parts of the world.

When is Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) 2023? | Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) Date 2023:

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 Wednesday, 30 August 2023.

How Many Days Until Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) 2023?

There is 0 day until Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) in India 2023 as this year, the auspicious Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) 2023 shubh muhurat

Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time - After 09:01 PM

Muhurat is available after Pradosh only when Bhadra ends

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) 2023 Choghadiya muhurat

Source: drikpanchang

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 (Rakhi) history

The festival has deep-rooted historical and mythological significance. It is believed that in ancient times, queens and noblewomen would send rakhi threads to neighbouring kings as a symbol of their alliance and protection. While the exact historical origins of Raksha Bandhan are not well-documented, the festival has its roots in various mythological and historical legends. Here are a few popular stories associated with Raksha Bandhan:

Indra and Indrani

According to one mythological tale, Indra deity of sky, rains and thunderbolts, was facing defeat in a battle against the powerful demon king, Bali. Sachi also called Indrani, Indra's wife, tied a protective cotton thread (Rakhi) around Indra's wrist to safeguard him. According to scriptures Lord Vishnu gave her the holy thread. With her protection, Indra emerged victorious, and this act of tying the thread became a symbol of protection and love between siblings.

Krishna and Draupadi

Another popular legend is from the epic Mahabharata. Lord Krishna, during a battle, accidentally cut his finger on the Sudarshan Chakra. Seeing this, Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandavas, tore a piece of her saree and tied it around Krishna's finger to stop the bleeding. Touched by her gesture, Krishna promised to protect and support Draupadi when she needed him. This incident is often cited as an example of the bond between a brother and sister.

Yama and Yamuna

According to a different legend, Yamuna, the river goddess, tied a Rakhi to her brother Yama, the god of death. Touched by her love and affection, Yama granted her a boon that any brother who receives a Rakhi from his sister and promises to protect her will be blessed with immortality.

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of love between brothers and sisters. In the context of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi, the story goes that the King was a generous and virtuous ruler. Pleased with his righteousness, Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, decided to protect him. She disguised herself as a Brahmin woman and tied a sacred thread (rakhi) on King Bali's wrist, thus becoming his sister. Touched by her gesture, King Bali promised to protect her. This story symbolises the eternal bond between siblings and the importance of protecting and caring for each other.

These stories and legends have contributed to the significance and symbolism of Raksha Bandhan. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread (Rakhi) around their brothers' wrists, and brothers, in turn, offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters. It is a celebration of love, protection, and the bond between siblings.

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) significance

Raksha Bandhan is a significant festival celebrated in India and other parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is 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."

Here are some key significances of Raksha Bandhan:

Strengthening the Bond

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the unique relationship between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called a "Rakhi" around their brothers' wrists as a symbol of love, protection, and goodwill. It signifies the unbreakable bond of love and the duty of brothers to protect their sisters.

Protection and Security

The Rakhi thread represents 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. It is believed to have protective powers and acts as a talisman to ward off evil influences.

Expressing Love and Affection

Raksha Bandhan provides an opportunity for siblings to express their love, care, and affection for each other. Brothers often give gifts or promise to protect their sisters, while sisters offer prayers for the well-being and success of their brothers.

Family Reunion

Raksha Bandhan brings families together. It is a time for siblings to come together, regardless of geographical distances, and celebrate their bond. Family members gather, exchange gifts, and share a meal, strengthening the overall familial ties.

Symbol of Harmony and Unity

Raksha Bandhan goes beyond the immediate family and promotes harmony and unity in society. It encourages individuals to care for and protect one another, emphasising the importance of a harmonious coexistence among people.

Historical and Mythological Significance

Raksha Bandhan has historical and mythological roots. It is believed that queens and women in ancient India used to send Rakhis to neighbouring kings as a plea for protection during times of war. Several mythological tales, such as the story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi, highlight the significance of Raksha Bandhan.

Raksha Bandhan importance among other religions in India

Raksha Bandhan is an important festival celebrated in India, primarily among Hindus, but it holds significance across various religions and communities in the country. While it is predominantly observed by Hindus, its influence has spread to other religious groups, fostering a spirit of unity and harmony.

Hinduism

Raksha Bandhan is deeply rooted in Hindu culture and mythology. It is primarily celebrated as a symbol of the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread called "rakhi" on their brothers' wrists, and brothers, in turn, promise to protect and support their sisters. This festival represents the love, care, and mutual respect between siblings.

Jainism

Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated by Jains. Jains believe in non-violence and observe this festival as a reminder of their commitment to protecting all living beings. They tie rakhi on the wrists of their friends and family members, symbolising their pledge to safeguard and nurture their relationships.

Sikhism

Sikhs commemorate Raksha Bandhan as "Rakhri" or "Rakhardi" with great enthusiasm. Sikhs tie rakhis on the wrists of their loved ones as a token of love and protection. The festival emphasises the importance of selfless service, compassion, and brotherhood.

Buddhism

Though Raksha Bandhan is not widely celebrated in Buddhism, there are some instances of its observance among Buddhists in certain regions of India. It symbolises the bond of friendship and protection, promoting harmony and goodwill among individuals.

Raksha Bandhan 2023 Puja Vidhi

Cleanse Yourself

Take a bath and wear clean clothes as a sign of purity before starting the puja.

Prepare the Puja Thali

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

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 and Aarti

Apply tilak (kumkum or sandalwood paste) on your brother's forehead and perform an aarti by rotating the thali around him in a clockwise direction while chanting aarti mantras or singing devotional songs.

Tie the Rakhi

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.

Exchange Gifts and Sweets

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.

Seek Blessings

A younger brother should take blessings from his sister and touch her feet as a mark of respect and gratitude.

Share a Meal

Prepare a special meal or favorite 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."

Raksha Bandhan 2023 best wishes

1. On this auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I pray for your happiness, good health, and prosperity. May our bond of love and protection grow stronger with each passing day. Happy Raksha Bandhan!

2. Dear brother/sister, you have always been my pillar of support and strength. On this Raksha Bandhan, I promise to protect you and be there for you whenever you need me. Happy Rakhi!

3. As we celebrate the beautiful bond between a brother and a sister, I want to thank you for always being there for me. You are not just my sibling but also my best friend. Sending you love and warm wishes on Raksha Bandhan 2023!

4. Dear sister/brother, you bring so much joy and happiness into my life. On this special day, I want to express my gratitude for having you in my life and for always having my back. Happy Rakhi!

5. Raksha Bandhan is a reminder of the special bond we share as siblings. May our love and care for each other continue to grow and deepen with time. Wishing you a very happy and blessed Raksha Bandhan!

6. Dear brother/sister, the memories we have shared together are priceless. On Raksha Bandhan, I reminisce about our childhood moments and cherish the bond we have. Sending you loads of love and best wishes on this special day!

7. Raksha Bandhan is not just about tying a thread, but it symbolizes the unbreakable bond of love and protection between a brother and sister. Let us celebrate this beautiful occasion and create more wonderful memories together. Happy Rakhi!

8. Dear sister/brother, you are not just my sibling but also my confidant and partner in crime. Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me. Wishing you a very happy Raksha Bandhan filled with love and happiness!

9. On this Raksha Bandhan, I want to let you know that you are one of the most important people in my life. Your love and care mean the world to me. May our bond of love grow stronger and remain everlasting. Happy Rakhi 2023!

10. Dear brother/sister, your presence in my life has always brought sunshine and happiness. On this auspicious occasion, I want to thank you for being my constant source of love and support. Happy Raksha Bandhan!

11. As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan, I want you to know that I am grateful for the bond we share. You have always protected and guided me like a true guardian. Sending you heartfelt wishes and love on this special day.

12. Dear sister/brother, our relationship is a blend of love, laughter, fights, and endless support. On Raksha Bandhan, I want to appreciate and celebrate the beautiful bond we have. Happy Rakhi!

13. On this joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I want to promise you that no matter where life takes us, I will always be there for you. You can count on me for anything. Wishing you a very happy and blessed Raksha Bandhan 2023!

14. Dear brother/sister, you have been my rock and my guiding light. Thank you for always being by my side and protecting me. May this Raksha Bandhan bring you happiness and success in abundance.

15. As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan, I want to express my love and gratitude for being the best sister/brother in the world. You have filled my life with love and laughter. Happy Rakhi!