The Story Behind Raksha Bandhan

The Story Behind Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan, meaning "Knot of Protection" is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus throughout the world. The festival stands for the beautiful relationship shared between brothers and sisters. A lifelong promise of protection is made on this special occasion. It exhibits the beautiful relationship of love, care and affection between siblings.

History

Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi Purnima or just Rakhi, has deep rooted historical significance. There are various stories linked with the past mythology of the hindu religion. People believe and follow different stories from the past. The most famous and relied upon story of them all is that of Rani Karnavati of Chittor and the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Rani Karnawati was the widowed queen of Chittor, which had been attacked by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. The queen realized that defending her empire from the invasion was not possible for her and in lieu of protection and help, she sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. On receiving the rakhi, the Emperor was overwhelmed and became emotional. He, along with his troops, immediately set out to protect Chittor from the invasion. Alas, he could not reach on time. The Sultan of Gujarat had, by then, reached the queen`s fortress. 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 handed over to Rani Karnawati`s son, Vikramjeet Singh. Since then, the act of a sister tying a rakhi on the wrist of her brother indicates lifelong protection from him.

Significance

Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful Hindu festival where sisters dress up beautifully in order to celebrate this special occasion with their brothers. Sisters also pray for a prosperous future and a long life for their brothers. Rakhi holds great emotional and religious significance. The festival keeps the deep rooted culture of the country alive, strengthens the relationship of siblings and ensures togetherness.

Celebrations

The festival of Raksha Bandhan, brings the entire family together. The day starts with everyone dressing up beautifully in traditional attires. Sweets, chocolates and other regional specialties are brought. The sister ties a rakhi on her brother`s wrist and performs aarti, praying for his well-being and then sweetens his mouth with a delicacy. Brothers in return give gifts to their sisters to express their love.

Perfect gifts for brothers and sisters

Nowadays, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with exchange of gifts unlike the old days when money was handed over to the sister as a token of love. Here are some amazing ideas of gifts you can surprise your brother and sister with, on Rakhi.

Gifts for Brothers:

Watch: Very much in fashion; since the occasion is rakhi, what could be better than a watch for your brother`s wrist?

Gadget: Since guys are quite tech savvy, a gadget, maybe a new phone, MP3, tab, etc. will be a great option. It`ll surely bring a smile to your brother`s face.

Perfumes: Men and women both are equally crazy about perfumes. So, a nice perfume is also a great option this rakhi.

Chocolates: chocolates are liked by people of all age groups, so whether your brother is young or old, chocolates will remain an all-time favorite.

Gifts for Sisters

Jewellery: A girl`s best friend! Jewellery is one of the most loved things by any girl. Go for it, without a second thought.

Bag: Bags are again a great option. Girls go gaga over handbags, so getting your sister a bag will definitely fetch you a smile.

Vouchers: Girls, being shopaholics, will love a gift/discount voucher from which they can shop as they desire.

These are just a few ideas to ease your search. The value of any gift is seen by the intention with which it is given, so no matter what you get, your brother or sister will love you anyway. AstroYogi.com wishes all a happy and memorable Raksha Bandhan!

Raksha Bandhan Is Sentimental

Raksha bandhan is not entirely a pious affair, though sentimentality doubtless prevails. It has, thankfully, also become an occasion for some jest, humor, and mild ribaldry. Rakhi advertisements from the Times of India, Mumbai (25 August 1999), suggest that some men construe "raksha bandhan" truly as an occasion for taking their responsibilities as a protective brother seriously, as in this advertisement which deploys the familiar metaphor of the sheltering banyan tree: "Your Brother Banyan Tree will protect 5 branches Saroja, Vijaya, Laxmi, Thangam, Lalitha on auspicious Raksha Bandhan Day. A.R. Parshuram" (col. 3). A similar sentiment, with the sacred as its central trope, is expressed by this woman: "Dear Brother. Accept my blessing and affection through this sacred thread which tightens our relationship better" (col. 6). The supposition that a sister stands in place of a mother comes across in some ads: "Dear Sister Ruta, they say mothers couldn’t be everywhere everytime, so God made sisters. Ani" (col. 5), and "My Loving Sister, for me you’re like both mother & father. You’re next to God & your love is next to Divinity.

Rays of your love & blessings enlivened me like Rays of the Ultimate. Symbol of love & sacrifice, I adore your feet today. Deeyech" (col. 7). But alongside the expression of these more conventional sentiments, one might consider the humor of the ad from one "Feh": "Dear Bro. Nirlek. You are the perfect Brother to have — good height, strong built, lots of money, and no brain" (col. 5), or the lampooning of India’s family planning programs: "Adarniya [Respected] Bachelor Padhanmantriji [Prime Minister] no solution for population control? Try popularising Raksha-Bandhan day all throughout India. Love. Joekar" There is ample evidence to suggest that the problem of dowry has unquestionably been aggravated by the social sanction placed upon married daughters residing in their natal home. Consequently, raksha bandhan can be viewed as an occasion for reasserting a woman’s ties to her natal home. The brother conveys a message to his sister that she has not been abandoned by her biological kin; similarly, the woman conveys a message to her husband’s family that she can well count upon her natal family to come to her assistance.

It is doubtless possible, from a feminist perspective, to view raksha bandhan as another expression of patriarchal culture, however well-intentioned. It is, after all, the brother who extends his protection to his sister, and the woman who, in a manner of speaking, agrees to place herself under the protection of her brother. Against such a reading, one could well argue that the festival seeks to celebrate simply the affectionate ties between siblings of opposite sex, and that the brother-sister nexus is, comparatively speaking, innocent. This is scarcely to say that the relationship is devoid of power, or that there are not habitual practices and customs which define the relationship. But the real significance of raksha bandhan may lie elsewhere. Though it has been common in most societies for the woman to leave her natal home at marriage for her husband’s home, in India this is firmly entrenched as a social practice, and has often had undesirable consequences. Women who are subjected to harassment or life-threatening behavior on account of dowry by the husband’s family have often been reluctant to return to their natal home, and similarly parents are reluctant to take back their married daughters on account of the immense stigma attached to the return of a married daughter.

The annual "festival" of Raksha Bandhan, which is meant to commemorate the abiding ties between siblings of opposite sex, usually takes place in late August, and is marked by a very simple ceremony in which a woman ties a rakhi — which may be a colorful thread, a simple bracelet, or a decorative string — around the wrist of her brother(s). The word "raksha" signifies protection, and "bandhan" is an association signifying an enduring sort of bond; and so, when a woman ties a rakhi around the wrist of her brother, she signifies her loving attachment to him. He, likewise, recognizes the special bonds between them, and by extending his wrist forward, he in fact extends the hand of his protection over her. The thread-tying ceremony is sometimes preceded by the woman conducting aarti before her brother, so that the blessings of God may be showered upon him, and this is to the accompaniment of her enunciation or chanting of a mantra, which may be in Sanskrit or one of the other Indian languages. In Punjabi, for instance, the mantra says: "Suraj shakhan chhodian / Mooli chhodia beej / Behen ne rakhi bandhi / Bhai tu chir jug jee", which can be roughly translated as follows: "The sun radiates its sunlight / the radish seeds / I (the sister) tied the rakhi / brother, may you live long." After the conclusion of the ceremony, she places a sweet in her mouth, and he might return the gesture. The brother bestows a small gift upon his sister, generally in the form of a small sum of money, such as Rupees 51, 101, 251, or 501.

Though in principle raksha bandhan is an observance between biological siblings of the opposite sex, the practice often extends more generally to people of the opposite sex who are not biologically related, or who are not related as siblings. On raksha bandhan day, a number of women may tie the rakhi around the Prime Minister’s wrist (unless the Prime Minister be a woman), and similarly soldiers can expect to have women tie rakhis around their wrists. Thus, from ads placed on the occasion of raksha bandhan in the Times of India (Mumbai, 25 August 1999), col. 3: "Let’s break the traditions of Sisters sending Rakhis to their Brothers this time and approach the widows of Kargil Heroes with Rakhis to tie", and "Let us all send a Thread to our Brave Soldiers in Kargil so that they shred their Pakistan opponents. Satnam Kaur." Everywhere, especially in north and western India, females might tie a rakhi around the wrist of boys and men without sisters. A man might acquire a muh boli behen, that is a sister who in every respect is such except in biological fact; or a woman may tie a rakhi around the wrist of her male first cousin who is without sisters. Imagining a person of the opposite sex as a sibling is certainly one way of obscuring the problem of sexual desire, and Indian texts are rife with the observation that men should look upon women as their sisters and mothers.

Rakshabandhan is for Happiness and Ecitement

Rakshabandhan is for Happiness and Ecitement

The celebration of Raksha Bandhan is marked by happiness and excitement especially for young girls and women. Preparations for the festival begin well in advance.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 family reunion itself is the reason for celebration. Tasty dishes, sweets, gifts, sing and dance and what not. Any Indian festival is incomplete without this.

Rakhi has been promoted as a way of harmonious life by many a social workers and philoophers. It is a festival that dictates the values of brotherhood and self-perseverance.Raksha Bandhan is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love.It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Shraavana in the lunar calendar.


The day is all about raksha or protection, not just for self but for the dear ones, for peaceful existence of the human race. Each ritual that is followed has a significance. The sisters seek love from their brothers, the brothers seek courage and endurance. People worship the Gods of water, the basis of life.The word Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. Traditionally, during the festival sisters tie a rakhi, a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads, around their brothers' wrists to celebrate their relationship. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family.The importance of Raksha Bandhan is same as diwali festival in India.


The day is all about raksha or protection, not just for self but for the dear ones, for peaceful existence of the human race. Each ritual that is followed has a significance. The sisters seek love from their brothers, the brothers seek courage and endurance. People worship the Gods of water, the basis of life.


Famous Rakhi Songs:

Song: Behna ne Bhai ki Kalai pe…
Movie: Resham Ki Dor
Singer: Suman Kalyanpur

Behna Ne Bhai Ki Kalaai Pe
Behna Ne Bhaai Ki Kalaai Pe Pyaar Baandha Hai
Pyaar Ke Do Taar Se, Sansaar Baandha Hai
Resham Ki Dori Se, Sansaar Baandha Hai


Song: Bhaiyya Mere, Rakhi ke Bandhan
Movie: Chhoti Behan
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Bhaiyya mere, rakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana
bhaiyya mere, choti behan ko na bhulana
dekho ye nata nibhana, nibhana
bhaiyaa mere... Rakhi ke Bandhan

Rakhi in History

Rakhi in History

The strong bond represented by Rakhi has resulted in innumerable political ties among kingdoms and princely states. The pages of Indian history testify that the Rajput and Maratha queens have sent Rakhis even to Mughal kings who, despite their differences, have assuaged their Rakhi-sisters by offering help and protection at critical moments and honoured the fraternal bond. Even matrimonial alliances have been established between kingdoms through the exchange of Rakhis. History has it that the great Hindu King Porus refrained from striking Alexander, the Great because the latter’s wife had approached this mighty adversary and tied a Rakhi on his hand, prior to the battle, urging him not to hurt her husband.
Rakhi Myths & Legends

According to one mythological allusion, Rakhi was intended to be the worship of the sea-god Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at waterfronts accompany this festival.
There are also myths that describe the ritual as observed by Indrani and Yamuna for their respective brothers Indra and Yama.

Once, Lord Indra stood almost vanquished in a long-drawn battle against the demons. Full of remorse, he sought the advice of Guru Brihaspati, who suggested for his sortie the auspicious day of Shravan Purnima (fullmoon day of the month of Shravan). On that day, Indra's wife and Brihaspati tied a sacred thread on the wrist of Indra, who then attacked the demon with renewed force and routed him.

Thus the Raksha Bhandhan symbolizes all aspects of protection of the good from evil forces. Even in the great epic Mahabharata, we find Krishna advising Yudhishtthir to tie the puissant Rakhi to guard himself against impending evils.

In the ancient Puranik scriptures, it is said that King Bali's stronghold had been the Raakhi. Hence while tying the rakhi this couplet is usually recited:

Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala

"I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter."
The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. 'Raksha Bandhan' or 'Rakhi' is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. It means 'a bond of protection', and Raksha Bandhan signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that’s evil.The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, on which sisters tie the sacred Rakhi string on their brothers' right wrists, and pray for their long life. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted embroidered sequins, and studded with semi precious stones.

The Auspicious Full Moon

In Northern India, Rakhi Purnima is also called Kajri Purnima or Kajri Navami, when wheat or barley is sown, and goddess Bhagwati is worshipped. In Western states, the festival is called Nariyal Purnima or the Coconut Full Moon. In Southern India, Shravan Purnima is an important religious occasion, especially for the Brahmins. Raksha Bandhan is known by various names: Vish Tarak - the destroyer of venom, Punya Pradayak - the bestower of boons, and Pap Nashak - the destroyer of sins.

The Social Binding

This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters. All members of the community commit to protect each other and the society in such congregational Rakhi Utsavs, popularized by the Nobel laureate Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.
The Friendly Knot

It won’t be wrong to say the fashionable friendship band in vogue today is an extension of the Rakhi custom. When a girl feels a friend of the opposite sex has developed a kind of love too strong for her to reciprocate, she sends the guy a Rakhi and turns the relationship into a sisterly one.
This is one way of saying, "let’s just be friends", without hurting the other person's soft feelings for her.

Why Rakhi?

Rituals like Rakhi, there is no doubt, help ease out various societal strains, induce fellow-feeling, open up channels of expression, give us an opportunity to rework on our role as human beings and, most importantly, bring joy in our mundane lives.
“May all be happy
May all be free from ills
May all behold only the good
May none be in distress.”

This has always been the idea of an ideal Hindu society.

Rakhi celebrations

Rakhi celebrations

Raksha Bandhan or Rakshabandhan (also known as Rakhi or Rakhi Purnima) celebrates the sacred love of brothers and sisters. Raksha means ‘protection’ and Bandhan means ‘bond’, therefore it means the bond of love and protection. Raksha Bandhan signifies the love and respect of a sister, as well as the protection and care of a brother.Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi as it is popularly known is celebrated on a full moon day in August with great fervour all over India and the celebrations remain same with little variation here and there that includes tying Rakhi on brother’s wrists, exchanging gifts and gorging on delicious sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, barfi, and chocolates.
On the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan sisters get up early, have a bath and then pray to Lord Ganesha and then perform the aarti of brothers, put tilak and rice on their forehead and tie a Rakhi on his wrist. Following which sweets are exchanged and there is happiness all around. The celebrations continue throughout the day with families reuniting and doing fun activities together.
Siblings who are living away from each other send their wishes through phone or email and Rakhi is sent through the Rakhi cards.

  Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi as it is popularly known is celebrated on a full moon day in August with great fervour all over India and the celebrations remain same with little variation here and there that includes tying Rakhi on brother’s wrists, exchanging gifts and gorging on delicious sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, barfi, and chocolates.
On the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan sisters get up early, have a bath and then pray to Lord Ganesha and then perform the aarti of brothers, put tilak and rice on their forehead and tie a Rakhi on his wrist. Following which sweets are exchanged and there is happiness all around. The celebrations continue throughout the day with families reuniting and doing fun activities together.
Siblings who are living away from each other send their wishes through phone or email and Rakhi is sent through the Rakhi cards.Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by using a sacred thread called “Rakhi”. It is made from cotton or silk.
                      Rakhi is to be tied around the wrist of brother from his sister. Sometimes, it can be a piece of precious jewellery like silver or gold bracelet. In 2015 also, many kinds of Rakhis will be available in the market like cartoon Rakhis for children, beautiful bigger Rakhis for young people and Rakhi threads for older people. Choose the Rakhi of your choice to celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan in 2015.
Rakhi or Rakshabandhan is also celebrated between those who shares a caring relationship between each other, whether they are biologically related or not. Cousin brothers and sisters also celebrate Rakhi Poornima and shares the same bond of love and care. So, celebrate Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Purnima in 2015 with your loved ones with full zeal and enthusiasm.


Significance of Raksha Bandhan

The basic significance of Raksha Bandhan is to strengthen the bond of love between the siblings.n 2015 also, Raksha Bandhan or we can say Rakhi Purnima spread the same message of this divine love.
In addition to that Raksha Bandhan also signifies a peaceful co-existence of every individual.Before celebrating Rakshabandhan festival in 2015, let’s discuss about its significance.
It is believed that Rakhi (blessed thread of cotton or silk) has the power to protect the brother or the one who tied Rakhi around his wrist, from all the evil or bad things. Rakhi blesses him and give him the power to win against all odds.
The brother give the promise to his sister that he will protect her from all the bad or harmful things of society. He will always support her in every (good or bad) situation and will always be with her, financially or physically when needed.