India is known for its cultural diversity. People living in different parts of our nation have several rituals, customs, and festivals. Raksha Bandhan is one such festival that is very much popular all over India. Unfortunately, Raksha Bandhan 2021 is going to be a bit different. Due to the ongoing situation, people cannot step outside their houses and remain indoors. They cannot celebrate their favorite festival in the usual manner.
We know that festivals are a celebration of togetherness and reunion of families or communities. Rakhi is one such occasion. It is the celebration of brotherhood and sisterhood. Usually, people celebrate Rakha Bandhan with their entire family by giving gifts to their siblings and cooking delicious delicacies at home. People burst and exchange sweets as well.
Raksha Bandhan's Meaning
Rakha Bandhan's meaning lies in celebrating the strong affection and bonding between brothers and sisters.
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a festival that is considered sacred among Hindus. Rakhi is celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan month. This festival is known as 'Shravan' in North India. Rakhi festival is important because it highlights the sanctity of brotherly love.
Where is Rakha Bandhan celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated popularly in the North and Western regions of India. But nowadays it is a festival celebrated throughout the country with the same vibe. And so this festival has become an integral part of every Indian's customs
Raksha Bandhan in India is famous in different places by different names. People who belong to different states and communities refer to it with various other names. The significance of this festival also varies from region to region. Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated vividly in southern and coastal areas. But, in the northern and north-western parts of our country, this festival is known by a different name- Rakhi Purnima. They celebrate this festival with great zest and spirit.
In states like Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, Rakha Bandhan is named Nariyal Purnima. Here, Raksha Bandhan signifies the change of a season.
Tradition and Rakhi
As per the traditions, the sister, on this day, prepares the pooja vessels with lights, roli, chawal, and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to her brother's wrist, and prays for his well-being. The brother conveys his love towards his sister by promising to be by her side in all difficult times.
It is a fact that the way people used to celebrate this festival earlier has undergone a drastic change. But, the significance of these festivals remains the same even today. The celebrations have become more elaborate today. People enjoy exchanging various sweet dishes among relatives, clicking pictures with their loved ones, posting greetings on social media, bursting crackers, and so on.
Raksha Bandhan is primarily a North Indian festival to boost the deepest emotions and affection amongst the siblings. Just like all Indian festivals, this is often also celebrated with much verve
Legend of Rakhi
Once, when there was a war between the gods and the demons and the gods were about to fail, Indra's wife Sachi tied the Raksha Sutra (Rakhi) in Indra's hands for salvation. And by the power of this Raksha Sutra, Indra gained the strength to defeat the enemies. Since the day he returned being victorious, the festival of Raksha Bandhan began.
Later, the ritual of tying rakhi on the hands of sister and brother became popular. Rakhi threads are said to have miraculous powers in them. Thus, this act of tying rakhi on the brother's hand became very popular.
On the day of Rakshabandhan, the sister approaches her brother with sweets, Raksha Sutras, and a plate with a lamp. The brother vows to protect and care for her for the rest of his life.
Rakshabandhan is the most popular among Hindus in North India. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, their sisters approach their brothers with sweets, Raksha sutras, and a lamp. On this occasion, the brothers give gifts to their sisters and shower bless them.
Raksha Bandhan ceremonies, which mark the depth of the sister-brother relationship, are a feature of Indian culture. Do you know the reason behind this?
The only reason is that it is the promise of self-preservation. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, their brother promises to help his sister in any situation. The sister promises to maintain love and trust in her brother. The best time for the ceremony is in the afternoon or the evening.
Rakhi ceremonies are often avoided during bad times. But it is customary to perform Raksha Bandhan on the morning of the full moon day.
Rakhi strings are made of red strings. But in the changing times, luxury has crawled into this ceremony also. There are buyers for everything from simple rakhis to diamond-studded ones.
Rakhi is celebrated to commemorate family ties. And that's why sociologists say that social rituals are the reason behind the Raksha Bandhan ceremony.
The custom of visiting the daughter's husband's house was new to North Indian culture in the old days. It was customary for the daughter to come to her father's house on special occasions when neither the father nor the mother turned up to visit the daughter. If the girl's house is very distant from her father's house, it is the brother's responsibility to bring the girl from her husband's home.
Each Raksha Bandhan festival is a reminder about the duties of man in this age of Kali Yuga, where family ties are crumbling and sisters are being abused in public. May the unity between brothers and sisters last forever through many years of colorful bonds. Read more about festivals on our website https//astroo.live/