Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi Purnima) 2024

India, a country that beholds rich history and culture, is the land that is known to celebrate and cherish pivotal events. These events form the golden chapters of our history that we refer to as festivals.

Occurred in different eras, our festivals are not just events, but they are pedagogues that teach us significant lessons. They help us to stay close to our roots and to our culture. One such significant and most celebrated and most awaited festival that is celebrated across the nation is ‘Raksha Bandhan’.

This celebration is also known as Rakhi Purnima because it occurs on a full moon day during the sacred month of Shravana. The Rakhi festival is a celebration of the deep bond that exists between a brother and sister, and it is traditionally marked by the exchange of a beautiful 'Rakhi' that has been handcrafted.

Raksha Bandhan, also abbreviated to Rakhi or Rakhri, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the sister-brother relationship and the love between them. “Raksha” signifies protection, whereas “Bandhan” means bond. To commemorate their relationship, sisters traditionally tie a rakhi, a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold sacred threads, around their brothers' wrists during the festival.

Nevertheless, the Raakhi commemorative act goes far beyond the protection of a female from a male on a personal level. It also connotes the fundamental element of a good-natured and harmonious social life in which all members of society consider themselves to be siblings and offspring of a single motherland. Therefore, Rakhi is a celebration of brotherhood and love.

Why Raksha Bandhan is Celebrated?

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the unconditional bond of love, protection and care between brother and sister. It is celebrated to cherish this bond and to restore the love each has for one another. Our rich culture and history thus form a ground of evidence that even in the past people came closer and bonded as brother and sister through this simple yet powerful ceremony of Raksha Bandhan.

When Is Raksha Bandhan?

Rakshabandhan Muhurat & Tithi (Date & Time)

This year the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan 2024 will fall on Monday, August 19, 2024.

The Rakhi Muhurat or the Raksha Bandhan Muhurat of the year 2024 is as follows:

Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time - 01:30 PM to 09:08 PM
Duration - 07 Hours 38 Mins
Aparahna Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat - 01:43 PM to 04:20 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 37 Mins
Pradosh Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat - 06:56 PM to 09:08 PM
Duration - 02 Hours 11 Mins
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra End Time - 01:30 PM
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Punchha - 09:51 AM to 10:53 AM
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Mukha - 10:53 AM to 12:37 PM
Purnima Tithi Begins - 03:04 AM on Aug 19, 2024
Purnima Tithi Ends - 11:55 PM on Aug 19, 2024

Rakhi Muhurat means the time to perform the ceremony of tying the sacred thread on the wrist of brothers. Time plays a significant role as per Hindu calendar. Certain time periods are considered as auspicious and certain inauspicious. Hence performing the Rakhi ceremony as per the Raksha Bandhan Shubh Muhurat is important.

Aparahna (late afternoon) is considered as the best time during the Raksha Bandhan day to perform the thread ceremony or the tying of Rakhi. If Aparahna time is not available, then Pradosh time is also suitable to perform rituals related to Raksha Bandhan. Make sure you do not perform the ceremony of Rakhi Purnima during the Bhadra period. Bhadra is considered an inauspicious time.

During the first half of Purnima Tithi, the Bhadra Tithi prevails. Therefore, it is advisable to wait for Bhadra to get over before performing the auspicious ceremony of Raksha Bandhan. Thus, Raksha Bandhan day is a much-awaited day by the sisters as they are showered with gifts and a promise to be protected by their brothers and like.

Raksha Bandhan Meaning

Rakhi Purnima denotes caring and safeguarding. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Raksha’ means ‘protection’ and the word ‘Bandhan’ means ‘bond’. Thus, Raksha Bandhan is an auspicious Hindu festival which is celebrated since ancient times. It is the most symbolic interpretation of the purest bond of love and togetherness between siblings.

It is believed that when a woman ties a Rakhi around a man's hand, he is committed to fulfill his religious duty and protect her. This protection is an act of affection and love that is celebrated on the Raksha Bandhan. The celebration is centered on relationships. This applies to all Indian festivals. Every celebration brings families together. The mere act of getting together is festive. It requires an entirely joyful setting. Raksha Bandhan, the celebration of the relationship between brothers and sisters, is an example of such a festival. India is the only country where the sibling bond is so revered. Here, more than anywhere else, the brother-sister relationship is profoundly revered.

Raksha Bandhan evokes one of the most profound and virtuous feelings in the human heart: the enduring and virtuous bond of love between the brother and the sister. This sublime emotion pulses through the delicate cord that the sister tied around her brother's wrist on this day. Not only do the participants in the function develop a sense of love and affection amongst themselves but they also affirm their loyalty and devotion to the society of which they are the children. Their commitment to protect each other and society is emphasized through this simple ceremony.

Raksha Bandhan Puja

Raksha Bandhan starts during sunrise with a festive mood in every Indian home.

Rakhis are made or bought a day before the festival. Traditional goodies and dishes are prepared early in the morning.

After an early bath, the offering Puja (worshipping of God) takes place.

The sister then offers 'aarti' (a traditional way of worshipping) to her brother and ties the thread on his right wrist.

Traditional 'tilak' or vermilion powder is put on the forehead of the brother and the brother blesses the sister.

Once the rakhi has been knotted, either a Sanskrit mantra is uttered, followed by a prayer for happiness and prosperity.

Raksha Bandhan Mantra:

Yen baddho bali raja daanvendro mahabalah|

Ten tvamabhibaddhanami 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 move and keep fixed throughout the year.'

The tradition of giving presents is also an important part of this family festival. After the sister ties the Rakhi on brother’s wrist, the brother gives his sister a gift.

This gift demonstrates the brother's love and affection for his sister. Occasionally, sisters will also request a memorable gift of their choosing.

However, the sister's blessing for her brother and the protection he guarantees are regarded as the greatest gift of the festival. The prepared foods are then presented to her brother and the rest of her family. The rituals are performed with dedication and devotion.

At the end of the ceremony, the sister consumes a sweet. Then, her brother presents her with a small monetary token of appreciation or gifts. This celebration has expanded over the years to include the significance of many Hindu society members, but it continues to honor and preserve the bond between brothers and sisters.

In accordance with these customs, it is believed that the Rakhi will cleanse one hand of sin and safeguard the other. It is also believed that a Rakhi's protection will last for one year.

Well, irrespective of how it started and what it implies in the new age, there is no doubt that Rakhi is the time for bonding of love. So come along and make this Rakhi a time to remember for your brother and yourself.

How to celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan Puja Vidhi

CLICK HERE TO BOOK RAKSHA BANDHAN PUJA

Performing this Vedic puja on Raksha Bandhan is highly powerful and auspicious. A special Yagya and Home are performed to bless the brother and the sister.

The puja includes:

Kalash Sthapana

Panchang Sthapana (Gauri Ganesh, Punyavachan, Shodash Matrika, Navgraha, Sarvotabhadra)

64 yogini Pujan

Shetrapal Pujan

Swasti Vachan

Sankalpa

Ganesh Pujan and Abhishek

Navgraha Pujan and 108 chants of each planetary mantra

Invocation of major Gods and Goddesses in Kalash

Recitation of Vishnu Sahasranamam Japa (108 times)

Recitation of Laxmi Shri Suktam (9 times)

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Japa (2100 chants)

Havan

Aarti and Pushpanjali to complete the rituals.

Other Important Pujas

Ayush Homam

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Performing Ayush Homam on Raksha Bandhan is highly auspicious for the family. It is performed to get blessings from Ayur Devta, the God of life.

By performing this homa, one can be able to ensure a healthy and long living life.

Benefits of Rakshabandhan Puja:

You can also get Puja for Good Luck and Fortune performed on Raksha Bandhan.

It attracts auspiciousness and abundance into your life.

In this Puja all the deities associated with fortune, wealth, obstacles removal and aiding work and business are worshipped.

Blessings from Bhagwan Ganesha, Maa Lakshmi and Lakshmi Kuber ensure removal of obstacles, profitability and increase in materialistic possessions.

Best for attracting good luck into your life.

Brings in more abundance.

Removals all the obstacles holding your projects back.

Fasting ritual of Raksha Bandhan

In many parts of the country, the festival of Raksha Bandhan observes sisters keeping fasts for their brothers to bless them with happy, long, healthy, and prosperous lives. Fasting is a ritual followed by sisters on this festival to shower God’s blessings on their brothers. Sisters keep fasting till they perform the Rakhi ceremony.

Raksha Bandhan Vrat Katha:

As mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana, ages ago, there was intense battle between Gods and Demons. This enormous battle continued for twelve years. At last Gods lost the battle and Demons conquered the kingdom of Indra along with all three Lokas.

The God of Gods, Indra consulted Brihaspati, the Guru of Gods. Guru Brihaspati suggested Raksha Vidhan to Indra along with the Mantra to perform it.

On the day of Shravana Purnima Guru performed the ritual of Raksha Vidhan. During Raksha Vidhan, the Raksha Potli was fortified with sacred Mantra. After Puja, Shuchi the wife of Indra tied the Raksha Potli to the right hand of Indra.

Due to the power of Raksha Potli, Indra was able to defeat Demons and get back His lost kingdom. Since then, the ritual of Raksha Bandhan has been performed during Sharvana Purnima.

Raksha Bandhan History and Legends

There are numerous old legends related to the history of Raksha Bandhan and its celebrations. Various Vedic sacred texts, for example, Puranas, Bhagvat Purana (Srimad Bhagvatam), Mahabharata and such illuminate you with stories that talk about the beautiful and strong bond of love, care and protection between brothers and sisters.

In the Bhagvat Purana, it is mentioned that King Bali, unable to defeat Bhagwan Vishnu, surrendered unto his lotus feet and requested him to reside at his place. Devi Lakshmi was upset seeing the Bhagwan accepting a request from a demonic mind (Bali) as she did not like King Bali, as he was a demon. She tied a holy thread on Bali's wrist and wished that he would protect her as a brother. King Bali gladly accepted her as his sister and asked her to wish anything that pleased Her. She without a second thought asked for the Bhagwan and requested his presence in her abode. King Bali without fail fulfilled her wish. This is how Raksha Bandhan festival came into being.

In the epic Mahabharata, Shri Krishna while fighting and killing Shishupal got a cut on His finger. Draupadi immediately ripped a piece of her sari and covered the cut by tying it around the finger. Pleased with her action full of devotion, Shri Krishna promised to reciprocate. When she was left at stake by her husbands, the Pandavas in a gamble against the Kauravas who decided to strip her naked, she prayed to Shri Krishna for help. Krishna protected her chastity by supplying cloth to her Saari that never ended while being taken off her body. This is how Shri Krishna became her brother and people started observing Raksha Bandhan on the auspicious Full Moon Day.

How Raksha Bandhan Started?

According to the famous Raksha Bandhan story, Goddess Yamuna always tied a sacred thread on Yama's (God of death) wrist on the tithi of Shravana Purnima. Pleased by this custom, Yama announced that any man who has a ‘rakhi’ tied on his wrist by his sister would be saved and he would become immortal. Thus, the tradition of tying Rakhi on the wrist of the brother has been practiced across the nations and across religions.

History and legends of India abound in touching episodes of ladies seeking protection from far-off, unacquainted heroes, through the Raakhi. The congregational Raakhi function carries this social content. Particularly, the tying of Raakhi to the sacred Bhagavaa Dhwaj at the start of the function signifies this social and cultural aspect.

Significance of Raksha Bandhan in History:

During the medieval era, Rajputs were fighting Mughal invasions. Rakhi has always meant to be a spiritual binding between siblings and the protection of sisters was foremost. A famous incident relates how rakhi broke religious barriers. When Rani Karnawati, the widowed Queen of the King of Chittor realized that she could in no way defend the invasion of the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a Rakhi to emperor Humayun. The gesture moved the emperor so much that he immediately dispatched his troops to Chittor's aid.

The earliest mention of the Rakhi festival dates to Alexander's invasion of India in 300 B.C. It is said that the great conqueror, King Alexander of Macedonia was shaken by the fury of the Indian King Puru in his first attempt. Upset by this, Alexander's wife, who had heard of the Rakhi festival, approached King Puru. King Puru accepted her as his sister and when the opportunity came during the war, he refrained from harming Alexander.

Regional Variations of Rakhi:

While Raksha Bandhan is celebrated throughout India, the holiday is observed differently in different regions.

In West Bengal , this date is also known as Jhulan Purnima. There, Krishna and Radha are prayed to and worshipped. Sisters tie Rakhi to brothers and wish for their eternal life. This day is celebrated by political parties, offices, friends, and educational institutions with renewed optimism for a good relationship.

In Maharashtra , Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Pournima is celebrated alongside Narali Pournima among the Koli community (coconut day festival). Kolis are the coastal state's fishing community. The fishermen pray to Varuna, the Hindu god of the sea, to invoke his blessings and then throw coconuts into the water as offerings. As elsewhere, girls and women tie rakhi on their brothers' wrists.

In the northest state of India, Jammu Kashmir , it is customary to fly kites on the occasions of Janamashtami and Raksha Bandhan, which are close together. The locals purchase kilometers of sturdy kite string, known as Guddi dor in the local language, as well as an abundance of kites.

In Odisha , Raksha Bandhan is also called Rakhi Purnima or Gamha Purnima. As a sign of love and respect, a sister ties rakhi around her brother's wrist, and he promises to protect his sister from all dangers. The name Gamha Purnima refers to the celebration of Lord Balabhadra's birthday on the same day; farmers in Odisha tie rakhis to their livestock on this day.

In Nepal , Raksha Bandhan is known as Janai Purnima or Rishitarpani and involves a ceremony involving a sacred thread. It is observed by both Buddhists and Hindus in Nepal. In some regions of Nepal, women and girls tie rakhi on their brothers' wrists, whereas Hindu men change the thread they wear around their chests (janai). Other Hindus of Nepal observe the Raksha Bandhan-like brother-sister festival on one of the days of the Tihar (or Diwali) festival.

Importance of Raksha Bandhan

The entire concept of Raksha Bandhan is mainly that of protection. Commonly we find people going to the priests in temples and getting a sacred thread tied to their hands. We find this in the temple of Kala Bhairava at Varanasi where people get a black thread tied to their wrist. Similarly at Sri Vaishnodevi Temple in Jammu, we find people tying red band to their forehead after worshipping tVaishnodevi Maa.

In Hindu religious functions we see the priest tying a thread to the wrist of person/s performing the ritual before its commencement.

It is believed and said that even Yagnopaveetam (sacred thread across the chest) acts as a Raksha (protection) to the wearer if one maintains its sanctity.

In the concept of marriage in Hinduism, Mangala Sutra (tied around the neck of the bride) and Kankana Bandhana (a thread tied to the wrist of the bride and groom by each other) also has a similar inner significance.

The tying of a Rakhi is not just confined to brothers and sisters. It could also be tied by a wife to her husband, or by a disciple to the Guru. This bond does not have to be between blood relatives – a girl might adopt a boy as her brother through the tying of a Rakhi. This ritual strengthens the bond of love and transcends the family's boundaries. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life. This helps to broaden one’s vision beyond the borders of one's own family to the entire earth (vasudha) as one family – Vasudhaiva kutumbakam.

FAQs related to Raksha Bandhan:

How Raksha Bandhan Started?

According to the famous Raksha Bandhan story, Goddess Yamuna always tied a sacred thread on Yama's (God of death) wrist on the tithi of Shravana Purnima. Pleased by this custom, Yama announced that any man who has a ‘rakhi’ tied on his wrist by his sister would be saved and he would become immortal. Thus, the tradition of tying Rakhi on the wrist of the brother has been practiced across the nations and across religions.

History and legends of India abound in touching episodes of ladies seeking protection from far-off, unacquainted heroes, through the Raakhi. The congregational Raakhi function carries this social content. Particularly, the tying of Raakhi to the sacred Bhagavaa Dhwaj at the start of the function signifies this social and cultural aspect.

Raksha Bandhan Procedure?

Raksha bandhan is celebrated with zeal across India. A celebration of love and bond between brothers and sisters is celebrated by getting up early in the morning, taking bathe, wearing new clothes, fasting is observed. Then sisters do puja of rakhi and perform Aarti of brothers and tie the sacred knot of rakhi. They eat sweets like laddus and break the fast. It is eneded by giving gifts to each other.

Who started Raksha Bandha?

There are several legends that mention Raksha Bandhan. It is mentioned in scriptures that Draupadi started the ritual of Raksha Bandhan by tying sacred thread to Shri krishna. Some legends also mention that Goddess Lakshmi tied rakhi to King Bali for her protection in terms of saving her husband from the evil king Bali.

About Raksha Bandhan (Information)

Rakhi Purnima denotes caring and safeguarding. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Raksha’ means ‘protection’ and the word ‘Bandhan’ means ‘bond’. Thus, Raksha Bandhan is an auspicious Hindu festival which is celebrated since ancient times. This year the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan 2024 will fall on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Where is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated across India. The celebration of love, bond and protection might have different rituals associated to it in different states of India, they might be called with different names, like, Rakhri, Gamha Purnima, but it is celebrated with zeal and piousness everywhere.

Who Wishes Raksha Bandhan?

Traditionally brothers and sisters wish each other on the auspicious day of raksha bandhan. Yet in the modern era, anyone who shares the bond that is pure unconditional, has faith and trust can wish each other on Raksha bandhan. It could be Guru-shishya, brothers-sisters, friends, or even husband and wife. Raksha Bandhan is about protecting and being protected by and for the ones you love.

How to Make Raksha Bandhan Special?

Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of a loving bond between siblings. The most important way to make it special is by being mentally, emotionally and physically present for each other. Other than that, you can give gifts as per your budget, give gifts, purchase gift cards, order flowers, cards, spa sessions, experiences etc.

How to Arrange Raksha Bandhan Gifts for Sister?

Girls and women love surprises, you can surprise your sister/s by buying them gifts they desire or need. You can take them out and celebrate this special day enjoying experiences they cherish. Gifts can be bought online from shops or hand-made if you are artsy enough.