Happy Raksha Bandhan

Happy Raksha Bandhan to all! So for some of you who do not know what Raksha Bandhan is and who are also unaware of the historical story of Raksha Bandhan, we have this post for you.

What is Raksha Bandhan?

The word ‘Rakshabhandan’ means ‘A bond of protection’. It is a very popular festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Raksha Bandhan festival is all about the beautiful relationship between brothers and sisters. It emphasises on the love, care, affection and concern for each other. A word of life long protection is made in the traditional festival with the Raksha Bandhan rakhi not just between siblings, but cousins, friends and the people we love. They wish each other Happy Raksha Bandhan to convey their love and cherish the bond between them and their loved ones. This is all about ’what is Raksha Bandhan’.

Why is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?

We have heard people wishing each other Happy Raksha Bandhan, some of us also know what this festival means and how to celebrate it. But do you know the answer to ‘why do we celebrate Raksha Bandhan?’ 

If not, give this para a read. It talks about the history of Raksha Bandhan and why do we celebrate Raksha Bandhan the way we do, today.

Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi Purnima or just Rakhi, has a profound historical significance. There are various stories depicting the Raksha Bandhan history but the most famous one if the one I’m about to tell you. This is the story of Rani Karnavati of Chittor and the Mughal Emperor Humayun.

Rani Karnavati was a temporary ruler of Chittor, capital of Mewar who took up the regency in the name of her elder son Vikramaditya during the minority of her son. She was the widowed queen of Chittor, which had been attacked once by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. The nobles did not agree to fight the war for Vikramaditya to which Rani convinced them to fight for Mewar, if not for Vikramaditya. The nobles agreed to fight the war but posed one condition which said Vikramaditya and Uday Singh, sons of Rani should be sent to Bundi for their personal safety. Rani sent her sons to Bundi with her trustworthy maid Panna Dai who accompanied them. The queen realized that defending her empire from the invasion was not possible and it was a great matter of concern for her. So, she sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor, Humayun calling him a brother and asking for his help. On receiving the rakhi, the Emperor was touched and assured his assistance to Rani. He and his troops immediately set out to protect Chittor from the invasion. But he didn’t reach on time. The Sultan of Gujarat had, by then, reached the queen’s fortress. The nobles were outnumbered and all the women, in the fortress including Rani Karnawati had performed Jauhar (mass suicide) by then. Humayun, on reaching the fortress, fought with Bahadur Shah and evicted him from the land. The empire was then handed over to Rani Karnawati’s son, Vikramjeet Singh. Ever since then, the act of a sister tying a rakhi to her brother’s wrist indicates that he will protect his sister and always be there for her no matter what.

The other myths which signify the origin of Raksha Bandhan to add to the reasons of why Raksha Bandhan is celebrated are:

Krishna and Draupadi: Based on a version in Mahabharat, Lord Krishna had hurt his finger when he had sent his Sudarshan Chakra from his finger to behead Shishupala. Draupadi, wife of Pandavas then bandaged his finger with a piece of cloth from her saree. Lord Krishna was moved by her deed and promised to protect her from all odds which is why her saree became unending when she was disrobed in public.

Yama and Yamuna: 

Yama hadn’t visited his sister, Yamuna in a very long time which made Yamuna very sad. On following Ganga’s advice, Yama went to meet his sister. Yamuna tied a sacred thread on the wrist of her brother, the Death God, Yama. On asking for a gift in return, she asked him to constantly keep meeting her which is why he gave her immortality. 

King Bali and Goddess Laxmi: 

When Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from the demon King Bali, Bali asked him to stay beside him in the Palace. The Lord accepted the requested and was living with the demon king. But, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu wished to return to his native place of Vaikuntha. So, she disguised herself as a Brahmin woman and tied the rakhi around the wrist of the demon king and made him a brother. On asking about the return gift by Bali, Goddess Lakshmi asked him to free her husband from the vow he had made and let him return to Vaikuntha with her. Bali agreed to the request and Lord Vishnu returned to his place with his wife, Goddess Laxmi.

Santoshi Maa and Lord Ganesha: Lord Ganesha had two sons namely Shubh and Labh who were really disappointed that they had no sister. They asked their father, Lord Ganesha, to bring them a sister to tie rakhi to. who asked him to bring a sister who would tie rakhi to them. Ganesha then created Santoshi Maa who tied rakhi to his sons. Lord Ganesha then created Santoshi Maa through the divine flames and the sons of Lord Ganesha got their sister for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Indra and Indrani: Indrani, the companion of Indra, tied a sacred thread on the wrist of her husband for protection against the evil demons. This was during the battle of the Gods and demons. This legend gives us the message that it’s not just a sister who ties a rakhi to the brother, but it is to anybody you love.

This is all about the history of Raksha Bandhan and why we celebrate Raksha Bandhan today.

When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu month of Shravana (Shravan Poornima) which is around August.

How to celebrate Raksha Bandhan?

I’m sure after knowing so much about Raksha Bandhan, you will be super pumped to know how to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. So here’s a little bundle of information on how to celebrate Raksha Bandhan from my side to you. Sisters buy fancy rakhis from the market that are specially made for this occasion with colourful threads with silver and gold beads. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, brothers and sisters dress up traditionally with new clothes with the family’s presence. The ritual starts by lighting a Diya and the sisters doing aarthi of their brothers. They say prayers for the well being of the brother and the sister puts tilak on the forehead of her brothers and she gives him a bit of a sweet after which she ties the rakhi on her brother’s wrist. After the rakhi is tied, the brother gives his sister a special gift and these Raksha Bandhan gifts could be money, a gift voucher, watch, dress or anything else which brings a glow on the sister’s face through a smile. And if someone is far away, in another place, state or country, they send a Rakhi to that location wishing them a Happy Raksha Bandhan with lots of love. 

We hope we have poured in some worthy answers to all your questions starting from what is Raksha Bandhan, when is Raksha Bandhan celebrated, History of Raksha Bandhan to how to celebrate Raksha Bandhan.

May the joy and colours of this festival be brighter than ever for you and your loved ones. Wordanova team wishes you Happy Raksha Bandhan.