Rakshabandhan celebrates the purest and most loving relationship between brothers and sisters. The term Rakshabandhan means ‘knot of protection’ in Sanskrit and the festival is also called Rakhi Purnima or simply Rakhi. The festival is observed throughout India irrespective of caste and creed, On this day sister ties a thread around her brother’s wrist as a symbol of protection while he promises to protect and take care of her. 

Jains and Sikhs also observe the festival. It is a significant ritual of love and harmony, bringing together men and women across the borders of ethnicity, religion, nation, etc. The festival nurtures a rich heritage of legendary traditions, some rooted back to the ages of the great epics. Though, in principle, Raakhi is an observance between biological siblings of the opposite sex, the legends, and history of India are rife with stories where a woman has tied the knot of Rakhi to a stranger.

Rakshabandhan Date 2023

Following are the details for Rakshabandhan 2023 date, time, and muhurat.

• Date: August 30, 2023
• Day: Wednesday
• Tithi: Purnima
• Lunar calendar month: Shravan
• Purnima tithi Muhurat: Rakshabandhan festival 2023 muhurat begins at 10:58 AM, 30th August 2023, and ends at 07:05 PM

How Is Rakshabandhan Celebrated Across Different Parts of India?

Rakshabandhan is a significant Hindu ritual celebrated across different parts of India with great enthusiasm and excitement. 

• In the northern Indian region, sisters perform puja and aarti for their brothers, tie rakhi to them with complete devotion and love, and offer sweets. 
• In some Indian regions, brothers promise their sisters to protect them by tying them the rakhi.

Although there may be slight variation in celebrating Rakshabandhan, its significance of bond and protection remains the same everywhere. Also, according to beliefs, performing Satyanarayan Puja on Shravan Purnima, the day when Raksha Bandhan is celebrated, is considered auspicious. 

Mythology And Legends Associated With Rakshabandhan

The Story of Lord Krishna And Draupadi

As per Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was once harmed during a battle. Lord’s bleeding finger injury was noticed by Pandava’s wife, Draupadi. Draupadi immediately tied the Lord’s finger with a cloth by stripping off her sari to stop the blood. Draupadi’s action touched Lord, and Lord Krishna vowed to protect her in challenging times. Therefore, when Draupadi’s vastraharan or disrobing was initiated by Kauravas, Draupadi was protected and rescued by Lord Krishna.

The Story of Yama And Yamuna

The river goddess Yamuna once tied the god of death, Yama, her sibling, a rakhi. This move touched Yama because of his sister’s love and bestowed immortality upon her. He also proclaimed that if any brother is tied a rakhi by his sibling (sister) and promises to safeguard his sister will be immortal.

Other Legends Related To Rakshabandhan

1. A story is told of Alexander’s wife approaching his mighty Hindu adversary Porus and tying Rakhi to his hand, seeking assurance from him for saving her husband’s life on the battlefield. And the great Hindu king, in the true traditional Kshatriya style, responded; and as the legend goes, when Porus raised his hand to deliver a mortal blow to Alexander, he saw the Raakhi on his own hand and restrained from striking.

2. More poignant instance is the story of the princess of a small Rajput clan. It glorified the bond that the Rakhi forms even with people of different faiths. This historical event took place in Chittorgarh, the capital of Mewar Kingdom, in 1527 AD  the ruler of Chittorgarh Rana Sanga was killed in the battle of Khanua fighting Babur’s army. His queen, Rani Karnavati took up the regency in the name of her elder son Vikramaditya. In the meantime, Mewar was attacked for the second time by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, at whose hands Vikramaditya had earlier received a defeat. It was a matter of great concern for the Queen and at this juncture as a last resort, she sent a Raakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, calling him a brother and asking for help. Thus her name became irrevocably linked to the festival of Raksha Bandhan. She was hopeful to save the kingdom with support of her noble warriors and the expected help from Humayun.

However, tidings from Chittor were not good; the Sisodias had fought valiantly, but they were outnumbered and the war was lost. Humayun who was on Bengal’s invasion assured his assistance to Rani Karnawati, left the Bengal expedition mid-way and reached up to Gwalior, but he was late to arrive at the scene. Bahadur Shah had entered Chittorgarh and ransacked it. Realizing that defeat was imminent, Karnavati and the other noble ladies of the court immolated themselves in a mass suicide by fire known as Jauhar on March 8, 1535 A.D., while all the men donned saffron clothes and went out to fight to the death. Humayun reached Chittor and did defeat Bahadur Shah and reinstated Karnavati’s son Vikramaditya Singh as the ruler of Mewar

Traditional Foods And Sweets Associated With Rakshabandhan

Here are a few of the traditional foods and sweets associated with Rakshabandhan that are prepared and offered to brothers by their sisters are as follows:

• Traditional cuisines- sabzi, puri, and pulao
• Sweets- Peda, barfi, rasgulla, and ladoo
• Deserts- Phirni, halwa, and kheer
• Snacks- Kachori, samosa, and namkeen

Rakshabandhan Puja Vidhi

The Rakshabandhan festival 2023 pooja is followed by a simple ritual that a sister performs –

• The sister first cleans the puja space and then spreads a red cloth on the floor. 
• She then places a diya (a lamp), a flower, a garland, a pot of water, and some sweets on the cloth. 
• She then lights the diya and prays to God for her brother’s well-being. 
• She then ties the rakhi to her brother’s wrist and prays for protection. 
• The brother then gives his sister a gift and promises to protect her.

The Rakshabandhan pooja is a time for brothers and sisters to express their love and affection for each other. It is a time to renew their vows of protection and care. It is also a time to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters.

Rakhi Gifts

Gift Ideas For Brothers

• Gadgets- Smartphones, smart watches, speakers, headphones, or gaming consoles
• Accessories- Sunglasses, belt, wallet, or tie
• Personalised items- Phone cover, photo frame, coffee mug, keychain, pillow cover, or water bottle
• Clothing- Jeans, t-shirt, shirt, or pant

Gift Ideas For Sisters

• Makeup- Beauty or skincare products, kits, or hampers
• Clothing- Saree, suit, jeans, top, dress, or dupatta
• Jewellery- Pendant, necklace, earring, or bracelet 
• Personalised items- Phone cover, photo frame, coffee mug, keychain, pillow cover, or water bottle

Importance of Gifting In Rakshabandhan

• Exchanging gifts on Raksha Bandhan is a way of expressing bond and love among sisters and brothers. 
• It shows presence and importance in each other’s lives. Brothers and sisters feel joyful and cherished as they strengthen their bond by giving gifts to each other. 
• Sometimes, siblings express their love through gifts they share while upholding customs, rituals, and traditional values.

Rakhi in The Modern Era

Changing Trends In Rakshabandhan Celebrations

• Due to changing trends, this Hindu festival is also observed among friends, cousins, co-workers, and community members rather than traditionally between brothers and sisters. 
• Traditional rakhis have expanded to eco-friendly, designer, and customised or personalised rakhis.
• Gadgets and modern-day gifts are exchanged on rakhi more than traditionally. 

Although the changing trends have devalued some traditional rituals and customs, the bond and affection that brothers and sisters share remain the same. 

The Role of Technology In Rakhi Celebrations

Technology has drastically changed the celebrations of Rakshabandhan. 

• Nowadays, brothers buy and send gifts to brothers and sisters online. Besides, brothers and sisters connect on video call on Raksha Bandhan than visiting personally.
• Siblings also connect on social networking sites, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype, Zoom, video calling, etc., by sharing loving messages, posting stories, statuses, etc.

How Has Rakhi Become More Inclusive?

• The celebrations of Rakshabandhan are presently additionally environmental-friendly, varied, and inclusive. 
• The significance of Raksha Bandhan has broadened and disapproved of stereotypes of gender than traditionally it was observed as a bond of brothers and sisters. 

Although the celebrations have become more inclusive, the respect and affection among the celebrations are unchanged. 

In the present day, Rakshabandhan is celebrated in a broader context where women tie Rakhis around the wrists of the heads of state, soldiers, and social leaders. The festival is getting a global status for the nature of observance where people reinforce their ties across the borders of religion, caste, ethnicity, and nation.

Significance of Rakshabandhan in Society

Rakshabandhan is a Symbol of Sibling Love And Harmony

• Commemorating the bond and affection among brothers and sisters is Raksha Bandhan and does not restrict if celebrated beyond blood relations. This mutual affection and respect celebrated on Rakshabandhan strengthens the bond of siblings and harmonises families and people together.

How Rakshabandhan Promotes Gender Equality And Respect For Women

• Respect for women and gender equality is celebrated on Raksha Bandhan since brothers and sisters enjoy the bond among themselves despite their gender or religion, honouring and showing respect for women. 
• The notion of brothers’ promise to protect their sisters always after sisters tie Rakhi on their wrists promotes the strength of women.
• It depicts that women are equal and are not weak, giving them the support, affection, and respect they deserve.   

Rakshabandhan is A Reflection Of Indian Culture And Tradition

• A significant celebration in Indian tradition and culture reflects and recognizes the society’s beliefs and values. Rakshabandhan’s traditions, rituals, and celebrations are unique since it exhibits the values of Indian culture and Hinduism, reflecting the cultural beauty and customs.

Rakshabandhan Celebration Date 2024 – 2030

Year	Weekday	Date
2024	Monday	19 August
2025	Saturday	9 August
2026	Friday	28 August
2027	Tuesday	17 August
2028	Saturday	5 August
2029	Thursday	23 August
2030	Tuesday	13 August

Conclusion

Rakshabandhan is important to celebrate since it is among the most auspicious festival to celebrate and honour relationships. Societal values are promoted by celebrating protection, affection, and respect. Siblings can show each other their feelings, emotions, and presence in challenging times. Tying the rakhi on the brother’s wrists is to take the promise that they will always be there for them and protect them. 

Besides, Rakshabandhan is also observed as showing respect and affection for women and strengthening the bonds among families and siblings. The celebration also instills the kids with harmony, respect, and adoration for society.

SmartPuja assists people in organizing the celebration of Rakshabandhan and guides them through the rituals, puja, and customs to make the celebration more auspicious.

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