Raksha Bandhan
Introduction
Sravani is an ancient Vedic festival traditionally associated with the Brahmins on which day they change their sacred thread. Both Raksha Bandhan and Sravani are celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August).
Rakshabandhan or Rakhi which is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Sravan (August) is a day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection. It is usually a festival of the Hindus though today people from different religions participate as well.
Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Around mid-August, on Shravan Purnima, Hindus all over celebrate Raksha Bandhan. "Raksha" means protection, "bandhan" means bound or binding. The festival is also known as Balev.Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri and saluno.
Sisters tie a special band on their brothers' wrist on the day of Rakhi as a mark of affection. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the 'Rakhi'. It is a way of telling your brother that you will never forget how he teased you about everything, yet fought with those who spoke a single word against you and how you bid him farewell with a smile, and only he saw those tear drops in your eyes.
As per the traditions, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brother(s) and wishes for their well-being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sisters' side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift. Raksha Bandhan tightens the bond of love between the sister and brother.
The practice of tying thread was prevalent among the Rajputs and our history is full of instances related to the significance of this tradition. At the time of war when the brave Rajput soldiers prepared to go to the battlefield, the women folk followed the ritual of tying a thread around their wrist after applying a dash of vermilion powder on their forehead. This was considered a sign of good omen and the ladies believed that it would protect their men from the enemy's blow and bring them victory. Today children and women all around the country filling the soldiers with the zest to protect them against the dangers of the enemy tie Rakhi on the wrists of soldiers.
Rakshabandhan if taken in true sense has a much broader perspective; the festival encompasses true sense of peace and brotherhood. The values propagated by the occasion if inculcated by all human beings can bring the much-needed relief from the ongoing violence and mistrust.
The rich Indian mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.
The Shravana or the monsoon month carries all hues and shades of nature and emotions. Religiously speaking Shravan is a pious month and full moon of this all-important month is considered to be a very holy day. It is celebrated in different ways for different reasons almost throughout the country.
For the siblings it is the eternal tie of love, for Brahmins the day to take the pledge of Brahmanik rites and for those who depend on sea and monsoon, it is the beginning of the new season.
Indian festivals are based on the weather changes and their significance in the lives of people but they do have a story to support the celebrations. The rich Indian Mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.
The legend refers to a war between the Gods and the Demons. The demon King Brutra was advancing and the Gods lead by Lord Indra, were on verge of defeat. The king of Gods, Indra approached Guru Brihaspati to find a solution to the situation. Brihaspati asked Indra to tie a sacred thread on his wrist, powered by the sacred mantras on the Shravan Purnima. Lord Indra's Queen Sachi also called Indrani, empowered the thread and tied it on to his hand on the decided day. The power of the sacred thread called Raksha helped the Gods to victory.
According to another legend Demon King Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken up the task to guard his kingdom leaving his own abode in Vaikunth. Goddess Laxmi wished to be with her lord back in her abode. She went to Bali disguised as a Brahmin woman to seek refuge till her husband came back.During the Shravan Purnima celebrations, Laxmi tied the sacred thread to the King. Upon being asked she revealed who she was and why she was there. The king was touched by her goodwill for his family and her purpose and requested the Lord to accompany her. He sacrificed all he had for the Lord and his devoted wife.
Thus the festival is also called Baleva that is Bali Raja's devotion to the Lord. It is said that since then it has been a tradition to invite sisters in Shravan Purnima for the thread tying ceremony or the Raksha Bandhan.
It is said that the Raksha Bandhan was a ritual followed by Lord Yama (the Lord of Death) and his sister Yamuna. Yamuna tied rakhi to Yama and bestowed immortality. Yama was so moved by the serenity of the occasion that he declared that whoever gets a rakhi tied from his sister and promised her protection will become immortal.
Raksha Bandhan finds a mention in Mahabharata when Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthir to perform the ceremony to protect himself and the army from the dangers of the war. It is said that Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas tied rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu and Draupadi to lord Krishna.
Though now it is considered as a brother and sister festival, it was not always so. There have been examples in history where in rakhi has just been a raksha or protection. It could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. The Rishis tied rakhi to the people who came seeking their blessings.
The sages tied the sacred thread to themselves to safe guard them from the evil. It is by all means the 'Papa Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva' or the day that bestows boons and ends all sins as it is mentioned in the scriptures.
Rakhi for many centuries encompassed the warmth shared between the siblings but now it goes way beyond it. Some tie rakhi to neighbors and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of every individual. Congregations like Rakhi Utsavs, popularized by Rabindranath Tagore, promote the feeling of unity and a commitment to all members of society to protect each other and encourage a harmonious Social life.
The day has a deeper perspective in today's scenario. The occasion holds for a life long pledge to practice moral, spiritual and cultural values. The values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Raksha Bandhan assumes all forms of Raksha or protection, of righteousness and destroyer of all sin. The rakhi tying ritual has become so much a part of the families that come what many brothers and sisters try to reach out to each other on this particular day bringing back the oneness of the family, binding the family together in an emotional bond.
It is not the rituals, customs and traditions that change over the time but the celebration styles and perspectives that become contemporary. For centuries this festival has been celebrated in the same way. The traditions are followed with the same enthusiasm. The gaieties have only blown up to a large scale. It is the celebration of the chaste bond of love amongst the siblings.
The preparations begin much in advance. Some twenty days ahead of the festival you can see colorful rakhis in the market. Girls start the shopping and preparations quite early. The shop for new clothes and buy rakhis specially the ones that have to be sent to the brothers staying far. The sweet shops, the garment shops, gift shops, all are flooded with things to attract people.
On the Raksha Bandhan day, the festivities start by the day break. Every one gets ready early and gathers for the worship of the deities. After invoking the blessings of the Gods, the sister performs brother’s arti, puts tika and chawal on his forehead and ties Rakhi amongst chanting of mantras. Then she gives him sweets and gifts. The brother accepts her offerings and vows to take care of her and be by her side in the time of need. As a token he gives the sister a return gift and sweets.
The Raksha Bandhan ceremony ends here and the celebrations begin. The family reunion itself is the reason for celebration. Tasty dishes, sweets, gifts, sing and dance and what not. Any Indianfestival is incomplete without this.
Congregations like Rakhi Mohotsavas were started by Rabindra Nath Tagore in Shantiniketan. He started this to propagate the feeling of brotherhood amongst people. This invoked trust and feeling of peaceful coexistence. Thefestival for them is a symbol of harmony. The tradition continues as people tie rakhis to the neighbours and close friends. It is a festival denoting National sentiments of harmony.
Rakhi which is an important festival in India is observed differently in various parts of the country. Though it is a festival celebrated largely in North and Western India, it holds special significance in other parts of the country as well.
Nariyal Purnima : Coconut Day festival or Narali Purnima is celebrated each year with loads of fun by the people of Maharashtra namely the fishermen on the full moon day in the month of Shravan. Thefestival coincides with Rakhi Purnima and is celebrated mostly by the fishermen.
Avani Avittam / Upakarmam : Oakhi Purnima is known as Avani Avittam in southern parts of India i.e. in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and even in parts of Orissa. It is an important day for the Brahmins as they change their holy threads on this day. Brahmins take a holy dip and wear the holy thread called Yajnopavit or Janeyu. The first step is the 'prayashchita', which is performed as an atonement of all the sins. Mantras are read out at both times when the thread is worn and when it is taken out to be replaced with a new one.
Kajari Purnima : Kajari Purnima is celebrated on the same day as Rakhi mostly by the people of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The rituals of this day are performed by women who are blessed with a son. It holds a lot of significance for the farmers as it marks the beginning of the sowing season of wheat and barley.
Pavitropana : This is mostly celebrated by the people of Gujarat who are devotees of Lord Shiva. On this day water is offered to the Lord and people pray and ask for forgiveness.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on full moon day Poornima of the Hindu month of Shravan.
According to legend, once when Krishnaji had hurt his hand, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it on the wrist of Krishnaji. Krishnaji said that he will always protect her. Since that time, on the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers take a vow to protect their sisters. To mark the ceremony, sisters tie Rakhi on the brother’s wrist..
Preparation for the Puja
Rakhis of different types are kept for different relatives
For married brother plain rakhis made of simple silk threads 'Sadi Rakhi'.
For unmarried young brothers and cousins, another type of rakhis known as "Chakaliya' are made.
For bhabhis (sisters-in-laws) and girls ‘lumbas' are ordered.
Coconut to be given to the brothers
Dry coconut / gut for bhabhis
Aarti thaali with roli, rice, sweet, water, Deepak
If the brother is residing in another city, all the rakhis along with roli, chawal, mishri are sent in advance to him, the bhabhi and the nephews and nieces. Some people like to send token gifts also.
If the brother stays in the same city, the programme is fixed a few days in advance and a suitable time and venue is fixed. The sister goes tothe brother's house to tie the Rakhi.
Sister applies tolak to the brother.
She ties rakhis on the right wrist of the brother.
A coconut is given to the brother and the sister also makes him eat some sweet.
According to his wish, the brother places a gift or cash on the aarti ki thaali.
Then the sister applies tilak to bhabhi.
On the bangles of the left hand the sister ties the Lumba.
The Bhabhi is given gut and some sweets to eat. The Bhabhi gives some Pagalagai to the sister (nanad).
Then the sister applies tilak to the nephews and nieces.
Rakhis-chakaliyas are tied. Sweets and some gifts are given.
Janeu puja is done in the morning for people who wear janeu. If you are unable to do the puja, then after bath just wear a new janeu.
The Maheshwari community celebrates Raksha Bandhan on Rishi Panchami which falls on the 5th day in Shukla Paksh in the month of Bhadon.
Soon Maandana denotes making auspicious symbols. Making auspicious symbols outside the door before the festival of Raksha Bandhan brings well being. Two days before Rakhi Purnima, on both sides of the doors of the house, we make a tikki (dot) either with cow dung water or with mud.
The day prior to Purnima we smear chuna on this tikki and make Soon (shagun) with red clay (geru). These designs could be either a swastik, Ram Ram, Radhe Krishna or any motif. Onthe day of Purnima when there is no Bhadra, sprinkle this with water, roli and chawal and we stick a piece of moli thread with little laddu on it.
Rakha Bandhan is celebrated on the Poornima or the Full Moon day of the Shrawan month and marks the end of the auspicious day of the month of Sravan or Shrawan.
Rakshabandhan or Rakhi which is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Sravan (August) is a day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection. It is usually a festival of the Hindus though today people from different religions participate as well.
Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Around mid-August, on Shravan Purnima, Hindus all over celebrate Raksha Bandhan. "Raksha" means protection, "bandhan" means bound or binding. The festival is also known as Balev.Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri and saluno.
Sisters tie a special band on their brothers' wrist on the day of Rakhi as a mark of affection. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the 'Rakhi'. It is a way of telling your brother that you will never forget how he teased you about everything, yet fought with those who spoke a single word against you and how you bid him farewell with a smile, and only he saw those tear drops in your eyes.
As per the traditions, the sister on this day prepares the pooja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brother(s) and wishes for their well-being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sisters' side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift. Raksha Bandhan tightens the bond of love between the sister and brother.
The practice of tying thread was prevalent among the Rajputs and our history is full of instances related to the significance of this tradition. At the time of war when the brave Rajput soldiers prepared to go to the battlefield, the women folk followed the ritual of tying a thread around their wrist after applying a dash of vermilion powder on their forehead. This was considered a sign of good omen and the ladies believed that it would protect their men from the enemy's blow and bring them victory. Today children and women all around the country filling the soldiers with the zest to protect them against the dangers of the enemy tie Rakhi on the wrists of soldiers.
Rakshabandhan if taken in true sense has a much broader perspective; the festival encompasses true sense of peace and brotherhood. The values propagated by the occasion if inculcated by all human beings can bring the much-needed relief from the ongoing violence and mistrust.
The rich Indian mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.
Legends of Raksha Bhandan
Origin
The Shravana or the monsoon month carries all hues and shades of nature and emotions. Religiously speaking Shravan is a pious month and full moon of this all-important month is considered to be a very holy day. It is celebrated in different ways for different reasons almost throughout the country.
For the siblings it is the eternal tie of love, for Brahmins the day to take the pledge of Brahmanik rites and for those who depend on sea and monsoon, it is the beginning of the new season.
Indian festivals are based on the weather changes and their significance in the lives of people but they do have a story to support the celebrations. The rich Indian Mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.
The legend in the Bhavishya Puran
The legend refers to a war between the Gods and the Demons. The demon King Brutra was advancing and the Gods lead by Lord Indra, were on verge of defeat. The king of Gods, Indra approached Guru Brihaspati to find a solution to the situation. Brihaspati asked Indra to tie a sacred thread on his wrist, powered by the sacred mantras on the Shravan Purnima. Lord Indra's Queen Sachi also called Indrani, empowered the thread and tied it on to his hand on the decided day. The power of the sacred thread called Raksha helped the Gods to victory.
The legend of King Bali and Goddess Laxmi
According to another legend Demon King Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken up the task to guard his kingdom leaving his own abode in Vaikunth. Goddess Laxmi wished to be with her lord back in her abode. She went to Bali disguised as a Brahmin woman to seek refuge till her husband came back.During the Shravan Purnima celebrations, Laxmi tied the sacred thread to the King. Upon being asked she revealed who she was and why she was there. The king was touched by her goodwill for his family and her purpose and requested the Lord to accompany her. He sacrificed all he had for the Lord and his devoted wife.
Thus the festival is also called Baleva that is Bali Raja's devotion to the Lord. It is said that since then it has been a tradition to invite sisters in Shravan Purnima for the thread tying ceremony or the Raksha Bandhan.
Yama and the Yamuna
It is said that the Raksha Bandhan was a ritual followed by Lord Yama (the Lord of Death) and his sister Yamuna. Yamuna tied rakhi to Yama and bestowed immortality. Yama was so moved by the serenity of the occasion that he declared that whoever gets a rakhi tied from his sister and promised her protection will become immortal.
In the Epics
Raksha Bandhan finds a mention in Mahabharata when Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthir to perform the ceremony to protect himself and the army from the dangers of the war. It is said that Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas tied rakhi to her grandson Abhimanyu and Draupadi to lord Krishna.
Significance of Raksha Bhandan
Though now it is considered as a brother and sister festival, it was not always so. There have been examples in history where in rakhi has just been a raksha or protection. It could be tied by wife, a daughter or mother. The Rishis tied rakhi to the people who came seeking their blessings.
The sages tied the sacred thread to themselves to safe guard them from the evil. It is by all means the 'Papa Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva' or the day that bestows boons and ends all sins as it is mentioned in the scriptures.
Rakhi for many centuries encompassed the warmth shared between the siblings but now it goes way beyond it. Some tie rakhi to neighbors and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of every individual. Congregations like Rakhi Utsavs, popularized by Rabindranath Tagore, promote the feeling of unity and a commitment to all members of society to protect each other and encourage a harmonious Social life.
The day has a deeper perspective in today's scenario. The occasion holds for a life long pledge to practice moral, spiritual and cultural values. The values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Raksha Bandhan assumes all forms of Raksha or protection, of righteousness and destroyer of all sin. The rakhi tying ritual has become so much a part of the families that come what many brothers and sisters try to reach out to each other on this particular day bringing back the oneness of the family, binding the family together in an emotional bond.
Celebrations of Raksha Bandhan
The preparations begin much in advance. Some twenty days ahead of the festival you can see colorful rakhis in the market. Girls start the shopping and preparations quite early. The shop for new clothes and buy rakhis specially the ones that have to be sent to the brothers staying far. The sweet shops, the garment shops, gift shops, all are flooded with things to attract people.
On the Raksha Bandhan day, the festivities start by the day break. Every one gets ready early and gathers for the worship of the deities. After invoking the blessings of the Gods, the sister performs brother’s arti, puts tika and chawal on his forehead and ties Rakhi amongst chanting of mantras. Then she gives him sweets and gifts. The brother accepts her offerings and vows to take care of her and be by her side in the time of need. As a token he gives the sister a return gift and sweets.
The Raksha Bandhan ceremony ends here and the celebrations begin. The family reunion itself is the reason for celebration. Tasty dishes, sweets, gifts, sing and dance and what not. Any Indianfestival is incomplete without this.
Congregations like Rakhi Mohotsavas were started by Rabindra Nath Tagore in Shantiniketan. He started this to propagate the feeling of brotherhood amongst people. This invoked trust and feeling of peaceful coexistence. Thefestival for them is a symbol of harmony. The tradition continues as people tie rakhis to the neighbours and close friends. It is a festival denoting National sentiments of harmony.
Regional Celebrations
Rakhi which is an important festival in India is observed differently in various parts of the country. Though it is a festival celebrated largely in North and Western India, it holds special significance in other parts of the country as well.
Nariyal Purnima : Coconut Day festival or Narali Purnima is celebrated each year with loads of fun by the people of Maharashtra namely the fishermen on the full moon day in the month of Shravan. Thefestival coincides with Rakhi Purnima and is celebrated mostly by the fishermen.
Avani Avittam / Upakarmam : Oakhi Purnima is known as Avani Avittam in southern parts of India i.e. in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and even in parts of Orissa. It is an important day for the Brahmins as they change their holy threads on this day. Brahmins take a holy dip and wear the holy thread called Yajnopavit or Janeyu. The first step is the 'prayashchita', which is performed as an atonement of all the sins. Mantras are read out at both times when the thread is worn and when it is taken out to be replaced with a new one.
Kajari Purnima : Kajari Purnima is celebrated on the same day as Rakhi mostly by the people of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The rituals of this day are performed by women who are blessed with a son. It holds a lot of significance for the farmers as it marks the beginning of the sowing season of wheat and barley.
Pavitropana : This is mostly celebrated by the people of Gujarat who are devotees of Lord Shiva. On this day water is offered to the Lord and people pray and ask for forgiveness.
Puja on Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on full moon day Poornima of the Hindu month of Shravan.According to legend, once when Krishnaji had hurt his hand, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it on the wrist of Krishnaji. Krishnaji said that he will always protect her. Since that time, on the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers take a vow to protect their sisters. To mark the ceremony, sisters tie Rakhi on the brother’s wrist..
Preparation for the Puja
Rakhis of different types are kept for different relatives
For married brother plain rakhis made of simple silk threads 'Sadi Rakhi'.
For unmarried young brothers and cousins, another type of rakhis known as "Chakaliya' are made.
For bhabhis (sisters-in-laws) and girls ‘lumbas' are ordered.
Coconut to be given to the brothers
Dry coconut / gut for bhabhis
Sweets
Aarti thaali with roli, rice, sweet, water, Deepak
If the brother is residing in another city, all the rakhis along with roli, chawal, mishri are sent in advance to him, the bhabhi and the nephews and nieces. Some people like to send token gifts also.
If the brother stays in the same city, the programme is fixed a few days in advance and a suitable time and venue is fixed. The sister goes tothe brother's house to tie the Rakhi.
Vidhi / Method of performing the Puja
Sister applies tolak to the brother.
She ties rakhis on the right wrist of the brother.
A coconut is given to the brother and the sister also makes him eat some sweet.
According to his wish, the brother places a gift or cash on the aarti ki thaali.
Then the sister applies tilak to bhabhi.
On the bangles of the left hand the sister ties the Lumba.
The Bhabhi is given gut and some sweets to eat. The Bhabhi gives some Pagalagai to the sister (nanad).
Then the sister applies tilak to the nephews and nieces.
Rakhis-chakaliyas are tied. Sweets and some gifts are given.
Janeu puja is done in the morning for people who wear janeu. If you are unable to do the puja, then after bath just wear a new janeu.
The Maheshwari community celebrates Raksha Bandhan on Rishi Panchami which falls on the 5th day in Shukla Paksh in the month of Bhadon.
Soon (Shagun) Maandana
Soon Maandana denotes making auspicious symbols. Making auspicious symbols outside the door before the festival of Raksha Bandhan brings well being. Two days before Rakhi Purnima, on both sides of the doors of the house, we make a tikki (dot) either with cow dung water or with mud.
The day prior to Purnima we smear chuna on this tikki and make Soon (shagun) with red clay (geru). These designs could be either a swastik, Ram Ram, Radhe Krishna or any motif. Onthe day of Purnima when there is no Bhadra, sprinkle this with water, roli and chawal and we stick a piece of moli thread with little laddu on it.
Time of Raksha Bandhan Celebration
Rakha Bandhan is celebrated on the Poornima or the Full Moon day of the Shrawan month and marks the end of the auspicious day of the month of Sravan or Shrawan.
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