One of the oldest festivals also known as "Rakhi" is a celebration of sibling bond and a commitment to look out for one another.
Date & Muhurat
This year the festival will be celebrated on August 3, Monday. The Muhurat or the auspicious time to tie rakhi is between 9:28 am and 9:17 pm.
Significance
Back in the day, it was in the context of times ahead of battle or war. Old gender roles define the male as the "protector" - the festival has a sister tying a rakhi to the brother praying for his safety and long life, the brother also promises to shield her against all harm.
Over the years, as the need for such gender roles diluted - siblings in general, other relations and even close friends began tying rakhi to commit to the bond between each other.
Mahabharata
The festival is said to have its origins in Mahabharata. In a popular story - once Lord Krishna injured his finger. His wife Rukmini sent for bandages to be brought. But Draupadi who was right there could not wait as he was bleeding so she tore a piece of cloth from her sari and dressed his wound with it.
Krishna who was moved by the gesture - promised to be by her side whenever she needed him.
The episode is directly tied to the time later when Krishna came to Draupadi's aid as she was being publically humiliated by the Kauravas.
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