Rakshabandhan- All the Things you wanted to know about

Rakshabandhan


Rakshabandhan is a festival that is symbolic of love, peace and fraternal feelings. As per tradition, a sister ties rakhi on the wrist of her brother, who in turn vows to protect his sister at every stage of her life. The Rakhi is not merely a thread but it symbolises a sentimental bond, which is stronger than anything else in the world and has become more significant in today’s strife-torn world.

Celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana in India, Rakshabandhan has a lovely story behind its origin. Once Lord Krishna got injured and his wrist was bleeding profusely, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tore a strip of cloth from her sari and tied it around his wrist. Touched by this simple yet profound gesture, Lord Krishna promised to repay her debt by offering her protection throughout her life.



The story of Rani Karnavati of Chittor and Mughal Emperor Humayun is also significant in history. During the medieval era, around the 15th century, there were many wars between the Rajputs, Mughals and Sultans. When Rani

Karnavati, the widowed queen of the King of Chittor realised that she could in no way defend against the invasion of the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun. The Emperor was so touched by this gesture of love and brotherhood that he abandoned an ongoing military campaign to ride to her rescue.



Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in unique ways in different parts of the country.



Rakhi Purnima



In North and South India, the festival is celebrated as Rakhi Purnima where the word "Purnima" means a full moon night.



Grahma Purnima



Orissa marks this day as Grahma Purnima where all the domestic cows and bullocks are decorated and worshipped. Various kinds of country-made cakes called "Pitha" and sweets "mitha" are made and distributed among families, relatives and friends.



Nariyal Purnima



Nariyal Purnima is the name given to the festival in western India and parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. During the occasion, an offering of a coconut is made to the sea, as a mark of respect to Lord Varuna. Marking the beginning of the fishing season, this day provides an opportunity to the fishermen to make an offering to Lord Varuna so that they can fish in the sea.



Janyo Punyo



The people of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand celebrate Raksha Bandhan and Jano Punyu on the Shravani Purnima. On this day, people change their janeu (sacred thread).



Kajari Purnima



In central parts of India, such as Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkand and Bihar, this day is celebrated as Kajari Purnima. It is an important day for the farmers and women who have given birth to sons. On the ninth day after Shravana Amavasya, that is, Kajari Navami, the preparations of the Kajari festival begin and various rituals are performed by women.



Pavitropana



In parts of Gujarat, this day is celebrated as Pavitropana where people perform the grand pooja or the worship of Lord Shiva.



The festival of Rakhi has a broader impact across the country as it aims to develop harmony and spread the message of peace and brotherhood that is the true essence of Rakhi. The beauty of this festival is that it is celebrated across religions; one doesn’t have to necessarily be a Hindu to tie a thread that symbolises love, affection and respect for a brother. It is interesting that Rabindranath Tagore used the occasion of the Raksha Bandhan as a community festival to spread the spirit of nationalism among people from different ethnic backgrounds.