About Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)
Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The name “Raksha Bandhan” translates to “the bond of protection” in Hindi. The festival is observed mainly in India and Nepal, but it is also celebrated by people of other Indian subcontinent origins around the world.
During Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi a sacred thread or amulet around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of their love and prayers for their brothers’ well-being, and in return, the brothers pledge to protect their sisters. The ritual is accompanied by the exchange of gifts, sweets, and blessings.
The festival falls on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana, which typically occurs in August. The day is marked by family gatherings and festive foods, reflecting the cultural significance of family and societal bonds. It’s not only a celebration of the sibling relationship but also a expression of love, duty, and affection within the family.
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Origin of Raksha Bandhan Festival
The festival of Raksha Bandhan originated centuries ago, and there are a number of stories associated with it. Below are a few Hindu mythology :
1st Mythology :
We all celebrate the festivall of Raksha Bandhan with great Joy & Enthusiasm. But do you know when and why this festival started? By the way there are many stories related to Raksha Bandhan. Today, lets get to know about two of the most popular stories. Maharaj Bali, a descendant of devotee Prahlad, was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. Once upon a time, Maharaj Bali performed 101 yagyas. All the Gods & Goddesses were worried due to this and took the shelter of Shri Vishnu, the demigods told Lord Vishnu that if Maharaj Bali continues to perform the sacrificial fire like this then one day he will steal the throne of heaven. Hearing the pleading of demigods, Shri Vishnu found a solution for this problem. Lord Vishnu incarnated as a small Brahmin in the palace of Bali Maharaj. Seeing this beautiful Vamana avatar, Maharaj Bali requested him to ask for whatever donation he wanted. Lord Vishnu asked for only 3 steps of land from Bali. Lord Vaman expanded his form so much that in just 2 steps he measured both heaven and earth. Bali came to know that Lord Vishnu is in front of him and requested to keep the third step on his head. Lord Vishnu placed his foot on King Bali’s head and sent him to Patal Lok. By obeying the Lord, King Bali settled in Patal Lok. Being the supreme devotee of God, Bali Maharaj continued to do penance even in Patal Lok. Pleased with his devotion Shri Narayan appeared before Bali and ordered him to ask for a boon. On this, Bali Maharaj expressed his desire to make Lord Vishnu his gatekeeper as he wanted to see the Lord in front of him all the time. The Lord fulfill the wish of his devotee and became his gatekeeper. Here Maa Lakshmi was waiting for the Lord Shri Vishnu in Vaikuntha but Bhaktvatsal Bhagwan had become the gatekeeper of his devotee.
Mata Lakshmi was looking for ways to get her husband back. Mata Lakshmi reached Patal Lok on the day of Shravan Shukla Purnima and tied Rakhi on Bali Maharaj’s wrist, considering him as her brother. As soon as Bali Maharaj expressed his desire to give a gift to his sister, Lakshmi asked for permission to take her husband back to Vaikuntha. Since then on this date, the holy relationship between brother and sister is being celebrated with great affection.
2nd Mythology :
We find the second story in the Mahabharata, when Shishupal’s arrogance crossed all limits, Shri Krishna killed him by striking him with his Sudarshan Chakra. in the fit of anger, Shri Krishna’ s finger was cut by the chakras and blood started flowing. Immediately upon seeing this, Draupadi tore her new saree and tied a bandage on Madhav’s finger.
Seeing this, Shri Krishna got emotional and promised to protect Draupadi forever. When the wicked Duryodhana and Dusshasan wanted to pull Draupadi’s saree, Shri Krishna fulfilled his promise by protecting Draupadi’s respect with an infinite saree.
These stories give us an idea of the strength of the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters.
