Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi (the bond of protection in Hindi) is a Hindu festival, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. "Raksha" means protection, "bandhan" means bound or binding. Rakhi or Raksha bandhan festival is one of the most important festivals of India and celebrated with lots of jubilance by Hindus. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Sravana (August) is a day when brothers and sisters confirm their bonds of affection. Raksha Bandhan tightens the bond of love between the sister and brother.

On this day, the sister prepares the pooja thali with kumkum powder, rice grains, diya (an earthen or a metal lamp used for worshiping), agarbattis (incense sticks), sweets, rachis and ties Rakhi to the brother’s wrist amongst chanting of mantras, put roli and rice on his forehead; perform arti and wishes for his well being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to protect her sister and come for her rescue in times of need and gives her a token gift. On this festive occasion gifts are exchanged and special Rakhi Recipes like Ghevar, Vermicelli Kheer, Malpua, Kesar Burfi, Pista Sandesh & Rava Laddoo are prepared. In Indian tradition the thread of Rakhi is considered stronger than iron chains as it binds brothers and sisters in an inseparable bond of love and trust.

Rakhi (the thread of love) is a sacred thread embodied with sister's love and affection for her brother. Raksha bandhan brings people together in true spirit of all Indian festivals. The festival is also known as Balev. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri and saluno. This festival of Raksha bandhan in India reinforces the protective bond and firms the loving relationship between brothers & sisters. Sisters wait throughout the year for this special day that lets them to express their unconditional feelings of affection and care to their brothers.

The festival of Rakhi in India is celebrated on the full Moon day of Shravana (August) Month every year. Raksha Bandhan is on Saturday, the 16th of August in 2008; Wednesday, the 5th of August in 2009 and on Tuesday, the 24th of August in 2010.

Traditions & Customs of Raksha Bandhan

On this day, the sister prepares the pooja thali with kumkum powder, rice grains, diya (an earthen or a metal lamp used for worshiping), agarbattis (incense sticks), sweets, rachis and ties Rakhi to the brother’s wrist amongst chanting of mantras, perform arti and wishes for his well being. The sister performs the arti of the brother and ties the rakhi on his brother’s wrist. She then Tilaks (puts kumkum powder on the forehead) him and offers him sweets. While performing the rituals the Sister chants-

"Suraj shakhan chhodian, Mooli chhodia beej
Behen ne rakhi bandhi / Bhai tu chir jug jee",
"Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala"
Meaning "The sun radiates its sunlight, the radish spreads its seeds,
I tie the rakhi to you O brother and wish that may you live long."
“I tie you the rakhi that was tied to king Bali, the king of Demons,
O Rakhi I pray that you never falter in protecting your devotee.

The brother in turn promises to protect her from the evils of the world. He gifts her something as a token of his love and affection. The gift is the physical acceptance of her love, reminder of their togetherness and a symbol of his pledge.

Congregations like Rakhi Mohotsavas were started by Rabindra Nath Tagore in Shantiniketan. He started this to spread the feeling of brotherhood amongst people. This invoked trust and feeling of peaceful coexistence. The festival for them is a symbol of harmony. The tradition continues as people tie rakhis to the neighbors and close friends. It is a festival denoting National sentiments of harmony.

Significance of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrating the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. The festival is unique to India and creates a feeling of belongingness & oneness amongst the family. The rakhi tying ceremony has become an integral part of the Indian families. On this day, brothers and sisters try to reach out to each other in any condition. Rakhi also signifies the peaceful co-existence of every individual and promotes the feeling of unity and encourages the harmonious social life. The occasion holds for a life long pledge to practice moral, spiritual and cultural values. The values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence. It is a festival denoting National sentiments of harmony.

The History of Raksha Bandhan Festival

Rani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun
During the medieval era, Rajputs were fighting Muslim invasions. Rakhi at that time meant a spiritual binding and protection of sisters was important. When Rani Karnawati, the widowed queen of the king of Chittor realized that she could in no way defend the invasion of the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun. The Emperor touched by the gesture started off with his troops without wasting any time.

Raksha Bandhan celebrations in India

While Raksha Bandhan is celebrated all over the country, different parts of the country mark the day in different ways.

Tying of rakhi in Northern India
The most important way of celebrating Raksha Bandhan is by tying the rakhi. A sister ties a rakhi to the wrist of her brother. The tying of a rakhi signifies her asking of her brother for his protection and love for the sister. The brother in turn, accepts the rakhi, confirms his love and affection for his sister and shows this with gifts and money. It is a family event where all members of family, dressed in finery, gather and celebrate. The tying of rakhi is followed by a family feast. Festival of Rakhi celebrates the sanctity of the pious relationship that exists between brothers and sisters.

Rakhi Purnima in north and northwest India
Rakhi is celebrated as Rakhi Purnima in North India as well as in parts of Northwest India. The word "Purnima" means a full moon night.

Nariyal Purnima or Coconut Full Moon in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa
On this day an offering of a coconut (nariyal) is made to the sea, as a mark of respect to Lord Varuna, the God of the Sea. Nariyal Purnima marks the beginning of the fishing season and the fisherman who depends on the sea for a living, make an offering to Lord Varuna so that they can reap bountiful fish from the sea. Rakshabandhan signifies the beginning of a new season for those dependent on sea.

Avani Avittam / Upakarman in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Orissa Or Upakarma in Karnataka
This festival has special significance among Brahmins as it is the day on which Brahmins change their sacred thread. When the moon is in the constellation of Shravan the Brahmins, while changing their sacred thread, rededicate themselves to study the vedas and pursue spiritual upliftment.

Kajari Purnima in Central India
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 blessed with a son.

Pavitropana in Gujarat
Rakshabandhan is the day when people perform the grand pooja or the worship of the three eyed God, Lord Shiva. It is the culmination of the prayers done through out the year.

Article Contributed by Swati Sharma