Raksha Bandhan-the festival of sacred bond between brother and sister-is celebrated both in India and different parts of the world with fun and enthusiasm. Raksha Bandhan or the Rakhi festival reinforces the protective bond and firms the loving fraternal relationship between brother & sister. On this festive occasion the sisters tie a Rakhi thread on the brother's wrist, perform 'aarti' and pray for the well being of their brothers. In return brothers gladly promises to protect their sisters when the need arises. This frail thread, signifying a sister's love for her brother, is considered stronger than iron chains.
When is Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan-one of the most awaited festival of India-is celebrated according to the Hindu Calender on 'Shraavan' (July-August) 'Poornima' (full moon day) every year. As per the English calender, the Rakhi festival usually comes in the Month of August therefore this months varies every year. Check out the following dates of Raksha Bandhan in coming years:
This year the Raksha Bandhan is on Tuesday, the 28th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2008 is on Saturday, the 16th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2009 is on Wednesday, the 5th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2010 is on Tuesday, the 24th of August.
The Rakhi Ceremony
Rakhi is a special festival of India and an integral part of Hindu family structure that flourishes the purest and emotional bond between brother and sister. The preparation of Raksha Bandhan begin well in advance. The markets get packed with colorful designer rakhis, mouth watering sweets, garments and much more to attract people. On the festive day everyone gets ready very early to celebrate the occasion. After praying to God, the sisters perform the aarti of their brothers and put 'tika' and 'chawal' on their forehead, praying for their well being. Sisters tie a Rakhi thread on the wrist of brother and brothers pledges to take care of her, in any condition. On this festive occasion gifts are exchanged and special dishes are prepared.
Meaning
Raksha Bandhan is all about ‘bond of love and protection’. ‘Raksha’ means protection, ‘bandhan’ means obliged or bind. Thus the Rakhi Festival flourishes the love, care, affection and the sacred feeling of brotherhood.
Raksha Bandhan: Various Forms
Rakshabandhan festival is celebrated in all parts of India, in various forms and names.
Rakhi Purnima
Rakhi Purnima is celebrated mainly in the north and north-west India with a lot of joy and excitement.
Avani Avittam or Upakarman
This form of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in southern part of India like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh and its and important day for the Brahmin community there. This day is known as Upakarmam. On this day, the Hindus wear a new holy thread. Changing of the thread symbolises of the people getting rid of all sins and making a new beginning.
Nariyal Purnima
In the Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Karnatka, Raksha Bandhan is called Nariyal Purnima. Offerings of coconuts (nariyals) is made to the Sea God.
This form of Rakhi signifies the starting of a new season and very important for those who are dependent on the sea for their living.
Kajari Purnima
In the parts of Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Chhatisgarh, Rakshabandhan is celebrated in the form of Kajari Purnima. This day is an important occasion for the farmers and women. Rituals begin from Kajari Navami, five days before the full moon day.
Pavitropana
Rakshabandhan is celebrated in part of Gujarat as Pavitropana. People assemble in the temples of Lord Shiva and perform prayers. Threads of cotton and sometimes kasa grass, laced with products of cow, are tied around the three eyed shiva-linga.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan Festival
India is the land of fairs and festivals, and togetherness of relationships is the main essence of festive celebrations. Rakhi is also a celebration of such relationship between sisters and brothers. The rakhi tying ceremony has become an integral part of the Indian families and brothers and sisters, in any condition, try to reach out to each other on this day that binds the entire family in an emotional bond. Although, Rakhi is a bond of care and affection between brother & sister but it goes way beyond it. Rakhi also signifies the peaceful co-existence of every individual, promotes the feeling of unity and encourage the harmonious social life.
When is Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan-one of the most awaited festival of India-is celebrated according to the Hindu Calender on 'Shraavan' (July-August) 'Poornima' (full moon day) every year. As per the English calender, the Rakhi festival usually comes in the Month of August therefore this months varies every year. Check out the following dates of Raksha Bandhan in coming years:
This year the Raksha Bandhan is on Tuesday, the 28th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2008 is on Saturday, the 16th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2009 is on Wednesday, the 5th of August.
Raksha Bandhan in 2010 is on Tuesday, the 24th of August.
The Rakhi Ceremony
Rakhi is a special festival of India and an integral part of Hindu family structure that flourishes the purest and emotional bond between brother and sister. The preparation of Raksha Bandhan begin well in advance. The markets get packed with colorful designer rakhis, mouth watering sweets, garments and much more to attract people. On the festive day everyone gets ready very early to celebrate the occasion. After praying to God, the sisters perform the aarti of their brothers and put 'tika' and 'chawal' on their forehead, praying for their well being. Sisters tie a Rakhi thread on the wrist of brother and brothers pledges to take care of her, in any condition. On this festive occasion gifts are exchanged and special dishes are prepared.
Meaning
Raksha Bandhan is all about ‘bond of love and protection’. ‘Raksha’ means protection, ‘bandhan’ means obliged or bind. Thus the Rakhi Festival flourishes the love, care, affection and the sacred feeling of brotherhood.
Raksha Bandhan: Various Forms
Rakshabandhan festival is celebrated in all parts of India, in various forms and names.
Rakhi Purnima
Rakhi Purnima is celebrated mainly in the north and north-west India with a lot of joy and excitement.
Avani Avittam or Upakarman
This form of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in southern part of India like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh and its and important day for the Brahmin community there. This day is known as Upakarmam. On this day, the Hindus wear a new holy thread. Changing of the thread symbolises of the people getting rid of all sins and making a new beginning.
Nariyal Purnima
In the Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Karnatka, Raksha Bandhan is called Nariyal Purnima. Offerings of coconuts (nariyals) is made to the Sea God.
This form of Rakhi signifies the starting of a new season and very important for those who are dependent on the sea for their living.
Kajari Purnima
In the parts of Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Chhatisgarh, Rakshabandhan is celebrated in the form of Kajari Purnima. This day is an important occasion for the farmers and women. Rituals begin from Kajari Navami, five days before the full moon day.
Pavitropana
Rakshabandhan is celebrated in part of Gujarat as Pavitropana. People assemble in the temples of Lord Shiva and perform prayers. Threads of cotton and sometimes kasa grass, laced with products of cow, are tied around the three eyed shiva-linga.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan Festival
India is the land of fairs and festivals, and togetherness of relationships is the main essence of festive celebrations. Rakhi is also a celebration of such relationship between sisters and brothers. The rakhi tying ceremony has become an integral part of the Indian families and brothers and sisters, in any condition, try to reach out to each other on this day that binds the entire family in an emotional bond. Although, Rakhi is a bond of care and affection between brother & sister but it goes way beyond it. Rakhi also signifies the peaceful co-existence of every individual, promotes the feeling of unity and encourage the harmonious social life.
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