RAKSHA BANDHAN – DAY OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS

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Celebration Significance (Why)

Raksha bandhan (aka Rakhi festival) is the fun festival that celebrates the love between sisters and brothers. Putting it in terms of western philosophy, this will be the ‘Sister’s Day’ and ‘Brother’s Day’ of Hindu religion.
Hindu scriptures such as Bhagavata Puran, Vishnu Puran, Bhavishya Puran etc have the mention of celebrating Raksha Bandhan since time immemorial. In Mahabharata, Draupati tied cloth (by tearing her saree) to cover a wound of Sri Krishna. Sisters pray to brothers that in the time of need, you protect me from problems like Sri Krishna rescued Draupati from Dushasan, who brought her in rajsabha (court) and tried to remove her saree.

Celebrated on (When)

Rakhsa Bandhan (aka Rakhi festival) is celebrated on Puranmasi i.e. full moon of Shravan month of Hindu calendar. Shravan month is fifth month of Hindu Calendar, which usually comes in August.

Celebration Practice (How)

On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters visits their brother’s home and collect roli(kumkum – either made from turmeric or saffron), chawal (rice), mithai (sweets) etc in a thali (plate).

Thali

1. Sisters tie kalava i.e. sacred thread and well decorated rakhis on right hand of their brothers
2. Apply tilak of roli and chawal on forehead on their forehead
3. Offer sweets and pray to god for their well-being
4. Next comes the fun part. Brothers give gifts and money to their sisters.

If you are feeling adventurous and the brother is married, then sister can also tie rakhi to her sister-in-law.
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