Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Purnima is one of the oldest and long lasting festivals in the Indian tradition. Read on to know more about this aspect of the ancient cultural heritage of India.
Raksha Bandhan Festival in India
India is a country well known the world over for its rich cultural heritage. It is one of the few countries of the world which boasts of an ancient history and a deep rooted sense of belonging among its people. Of the various celebrations that have given this land a life of its own, Raksha Bandhan is one of the most unique and long lasting.
India is a country well known the world over for its rich cultural heritage. It is one of the few countries of the world which boasts of an ancient history and a deep rooted sense of belonging among its people. Of the various celebrations that have given this land a life of its own, Raksha Bandhan is one of the most unique and long lasting.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
This festival is also popularly referred to by the name of Rakhi. Rakhi, as we all know is the sacred thread which a sister ties on the hand of her brothers. Before tying Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, sisters wish for the best of happiness and prosperity for their brothers.
This festival is also popularly referred to by the name of Rakhi. Rakhi, as we all know is the sacred thread which a sister ties on the hand of her brothers. Before tying Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, sisters wish for the best of happiness and prosperity for their brothers.
Brothers, in return, take the pledge to protect her from the various adversities of life and to take care of her through all of life situations. This occasion is also the time to renew the promises made in the past. Raksha Bandhan is also an occasion that marks a time of family gatherings and reunions. The entire family gets together on Rakhi festival and indulge in festivities, ‘pujan’, exchanging Rakhi gifts (send Rakhi gifts) and feasting.
When is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?
The occasion of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Shravana. According to the Gregorian calender, Rakhi Day varies from late July to late August every year. Raksha Bandhan 2017 Date is on 7th August, Monday.
The occasion of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Shravana. According to the Gregorian calender, Rakhi Day varies from late July to late August every year. Raksha Bandhan 2017 Date is on 7th August, Monday.
Rakhi Festival – Over The Years
The festival of Rakhi has undergone a lot of change over the years. As we all are aware, that Rakhi celebrations are based completely on the bond of love, trust and confidence shared between brothers and sisters, this was not always the case.
The festival of Rakhi has undergone a lot of change over the years. As we all are aware, that Rakhi celebrations are based completely on the bond of love, trust and confidence shared between brothers and sisters, this was not always the case.
Earlier, Rakhi thread was synonymous only with protection or ‘raksha’ (in Hindi). So, anybody, be it a wife or a daughter or a mother, could perform Rakhi ‘pujan’ and tie Rakhi as a lifetime pledge of protection. Since times immemorial, sages have been tying Rakhi on the wrists of the people who came to them to seek their blessings.
The Values That Rakhi Represents
This day of Rakhi Purnima or Raksha Bandhan Festival represents the end of negativities and is an occasion when everyone is blessed with a good fortune. And, although Rakhi signifies a brother-sister relationship but it is also a symbol of love and compassion shared between people of a community. One can also perform Rakhi rituals with their neighbors and close friends.
This day of Rakhi Purnima or Raksha Bandhan Festival represents the end of negativities and is an occasion when everyone is blessed with a good fortune. And, although Rakhi signifies a brother-sister relationship but it is also a symbol of love and compassion shared between people of a community. One can also perform Rakhi rituals with their neighbors and close friends.
Rakhi celebrations represent the undying values that are the other name for Indian culture, its morality, respect for long standing values and the spirituality inherent in its very soul. Unity in Diversity is well represented through Rakshabandhan wherein people across regions and cultures celebrate Rakhi in their own way. The significance and basis of Raksha Bandhan celebrations differ with the differences in location, languages and lifestyles of the people of India.
