Raksha Bandhan is considered a major festival in Hinduism. Symbolising the love between siblings, this festival strengthens relationships with the bond of affection and is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Sawan. Siblings eagerly await this festival every year. According to mythology, a sister who ties a protective thread (Raksha Sutra) on her brother's wrist on this day, ensures that her brother never faces any danger and achieves great success in life.
Raksha Bandhan 2024: Date
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of Sawan. This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on Monday, August 19th. In Maharashtra, it is also known as Narali Purnima. On this day, sisters tie Rakhi, a protective thread, on their brothers' wrists and pray for their long life, happiness, and bright future. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them throughout their lives.
Raksha Bandhan: History
Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated since the times of the gods and goddesses and there are many tales surrounding this auspicious festival.
According to one story, when demons overpowered Lord Indra, his wife Indrani became worried. Following the advice of Brihaspati, Indrani tied a silk thread enchanted with mantras on Indra's wrist on the day of Sawan Purnima. Subsequently, the gods won the battle. This is why women tie a protective thread on their brothers' wrists every year and wish for their victory.
Another story from the Mahabharata era tells of how Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to bandage Lord Krishna's finger when it was cut during the war with Shishupala. Krishna then promised to protect her. He kept his promise during the disrobing of Draupadi, protecting her dignity. This festival not only strengthens and rejuvenates the bond between siblings but also reinforces social and familial commitments, weaving everyone together in a single thread.
Raksha Bandhan 2024: Muhurat
According to the Hindu calendar, the Sawan Purnima date will start at 03:04 AM on August 19, 2024, and will end at 11:55 PM on the same day. The afternoon is considered more suitable for the Raksha Bandhan rituals. In case it becomes unsuitable due to Bhadra, the Pradosh period is also considered appropriate for Raksha Bandhan rituals.
- Raksha Bandhan Ritual Time: 01:30 PM - 09:07 PM
- Duration: 7 hours 38 minutes
- Afternoon Muhurat for Raksha Bandhan: 01:42 PM - 04:19 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 37 minutes
- Pradosh Period Muhurat for Raksha Bandhan: 06:56 PM - 09:07 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 11 minutes
Raksha Bandhan 2024: Bhadra Kaal
- End of Bhadra for Raksha Bandhan: 01:30 PM
- Bhadra Tail: 09:51 AM - 10:53 AM
- Bhadra Mukh: 10:53 AM - 12:37 PM
It needs to be kept in mind not to tie rakhi during Bhadra. Tying Rakhi during Bhadra can negatively impact the brother's life. According to mythology, Ravana's sister tied Rakhi to him during Bhadra Kaal, and that same year, Ravana met his end.
Raksha Bandhan 2024: Rituals
- Before tying Rakhi, sisters should apply a tilak of kumkum and rice grains (Akshat) on their brother’s forehead. Brothers, on the other hand, should keep a handkerchief on their heads during this time.
- Brothers should never have their Rakhi tied on empty or open hands. They should always hold some money and rice grains in their hands and keep their fists closed.
- Sisters should apply a tilak and tie the Rakhi on their brother's right hand.
- After tying Rakhi, sisters should perform aarti for their brothers and then offer them sweets.
- If the brother is older, the sister should touch his feet for blessings. If the sister is older, the brother should touch her feet.
- After tying Rakhi, brothers should always give their sisters some gift according to their capacity, ensuring that the sister is not left empty-handed, as this can displease the goddess Lakshmi.