August 30 and 31 Mark the Auspicious Occasion of Raksha Bandhan
New Delhi, August 29, 2023 – The eagerly awaited festival of Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is just around the corner, set to grace the calendar on August 30 and 31 this year. With its roots deeply embedded in Hindu traditions, Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the enduring and special connections shared among siblings. As this significant occasion approaches, families prepare to come together to honor these cherished bonds.
Traditionally observed on the Poornima Tithi (full moon day) of the Shravan Maas (Sawan month), Raksha Bandhan is a day when sisters and brothers partake in rituals that symbolize love, protection, and commitment. Sisters tie intricate Rakhis on their brothers’ wrists, anoint their foreheads with a tilak, and pray for their prosperity and longevity. In response, brothers vow to safeguard their sisters, shower them with affection, and present them with meaningful gifts that mirror their bond. In modern times, the practice has expanded, as brothers also tie Rakhis to their sisters, and sisters extend the tradition to each other, reinforcing the spirit of unity.
This year, the observance spans two dates, August 30 and 31, owing to the presence of Bhadra Kaal, a period unsuitable for performing Raksha Bandhan rituals. According to Drik Panchang, the Bhadra Kaal concludes at 9:01 pm on August 30, allowing the rituals to commence thereafter. The Bhadra Poonch, spanning from 5:30 pm to 6:31 pm on August 30, and the Bhadra Mukha, commencing at 6:31 pm and ending at 8:11 pm on August 30, further guide the auspicious timing. The Poornima Tithi, signifying the full moon, commences at 10:58 am on August 30 and culminates at 7:05 am on August 31.
Raksha Bandhan’s historical significance finds its roots in the legends of Hindu mythology. An enduring tale is that of Lord Krishna and Draupadi from the Mahabharata. As the story goes, Lord Krishna accidentally injured his finger with the Sudarshan Chakra. Draupadi, quick to respond, tore a piece of cloth from her saree and bound it around his finger to halt the bleeding. Touched by her gesture, Lord Krishna promised eternal protection to Draupadi. This assurance came to fruition when Draupadi faced humiliation in the royal court of Hastinapur, and Krishna shielded her honor.
Beyond its mythological origins, Raksha Bandhan holds a symbolic place in Hindu culture, underscoring the unbreakable sibling bond. Furthermore, the festival presents an opportunity for married women to revisit their parental homes for the festivities, enhancing the family’s sense of togetherness.
Celebrations of Raksha Bandhan unfold across the nation with grandeur and enthusiasm. The ceremonial rituals kick off as sisters perform aarti for their brothers, mark their foreheads with a tilak, secure the Rakhi on their wrists, offer sweets, and exchange heartfelt gifts. In a reciprocal gesture, brothers pledge to safeguard and treasure their sisters. Contemporary Rakhis have evolved into powerful symbols of these cherished relationships, embodying the essence of the festival.
As August 30 and 31 approach, families and friends gear up to commemorate Raksha Bandhan, embracing the age-old customs that emphasize the essence of love, care, and protection among siblings. This year, let the threads of Rakhi bind hearts and homes with enduring joy and harmony.
News Summary: Raksha Bandhan
The upcoming celebrations of Raksha Bandhan, falling on August 30 and 31, hold immense cultural and familial significance as brothers and sisters prepare to honor their unbreakable bonds. Amidst the rituals of tying Rakhis and exchanging gifts, this festival brings to life the spirit of love, protection, and commitment that resonates through generations. As families gather to mark this occasion, the symbolic gesture of Rakhi serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relationships that shape our lives.
