Raksha Bandhan 2024

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is an ancient Indian Hindu festival based on the relationship between brothers and sisters. August 19, 2024, is around the corner when this year’s Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated. On this day, sisters tie the holy Rakhi thread around their brothers’ wrists expressing their love and protection.

This festival has another sweet corner, where brothers present their sisters with gifts and pledge to help them in exchange. The motto of Raksha Bandhan 2024 is to create a joyful and meaningful gathering of families and pray for a long life for the brothers.

History of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture and symbolizes the bond between brothers and sisters. The word ‘Raksha Bandhan’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Raksha’ which means ‘protection’ and ‘Bandhan’ which means ‘tie’.

This festival has a rich history. If we go back to find its origin, we will get its trace back to the Mahabharata era. According to the Mahabharata scripts, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, tore a piece of her cloth to bandage Lord Krishna’s finger when he got hurt during the killing of the evil King Shishupal. In return, Krishna vowed to protect Draupadi. The relationship of Lord Krishna and Draupadi exemplifies the true meaning of Raksha Bandhan.

Another significant story is from medieval history. This involves the story of Rani Karnavati of Mewar. Once, Mewar was under the attack of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. At that time Mewar was helpless and then Rani Karnavati sent a Rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun for his assistance against Bahadur Shah. Humayun was so touched by this gesture of Rani Karnavati and he promptly marched his army to her aid.

In another ancient tale, the river goddess Yamuna tied a Rakhi to Yama, the god of death. Moved by her affection, Yama granted her a boon which is, that any brother who receives a Rakhi from his sister and promises to protect her will be blessed with immortality. This story underscores the protective and enduring nature of the sibling bond.

We have another mythological story about the importance of Raksha Bandhan. The tale of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi also highlights the festival’s significance. King Bali was always known for his generosity and virtue. Once he welcomed Goddess Lakshmi, who had disguised herself as a Brahmin woman. She tied a Rakhi on his wrist, and in gratitude, Bali promised to protect her.

Significance of Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a significant Hindu event that honors the bond between brothers and is observed in India and many other nations on the Indian subcontinent. The significance of this ceremony stems from the following factors:

1. Strengthening Sibling Bonds: The love and dedication that siblings have for one another is symbolized by Raksha Bandhan. Brothers pledge to defend their sisters, who pray for prosperity and well-being.

2. Expression of Love and Care: When siblings can express to one another how much they value, love, and care for one another, their bonds become stronger.

3. kin Reunion: Raksha Bandhan bridges distance gaps to unite relatives and kin. It’s a time to rejoice and spend time with family and friends.

4. Promoting Social Harmony: Beyond being a family festival, Raksha Bandhan promotes harmony and unity in society. It symbolizes the protection and respect for women and strengthens communal bonds.

Raksha Bandhan 2024: Date and Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, Raksha Bandhan 2024 will be celebrated on August 19th. Take a note of the auspicious timing for tying the Rakhi:

Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon day of the Shravan month. The most favorable time to tie the Rakhi is during the Aparahna or Pradosh period. It is advised to avoid performing the Raksha Bandhan rituals during the Bhadra period. Any auspicious activities should commence after the end of Bhadra.

• Rakhi Tying Ceremony Time: 01:30 PM to 09:08 PM (Duration: 07 hours 38 minutes)
• Aparahan Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat: 01:43 PM to 04:20 PM (Duration: 02 hours 37 minutes)
• Pradosh Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat: 06:56 PM to 09:08 PM (Duration: 02 hours 11 minutes)
• Bhadra End Time: 01:30 PM
• Bhadra Punch: 09:51 AM to 10:53 AM
• Bhadra Mukha: 10:53 AM to 12:37 PM
• Purnima Tithi Start: 03:04 AM on August 19, 2024
• Purnima Tithi End: 11:55 PM on August 19, 2024

Raksha Bandhan rituals or niyam vidhi are performed at the most auspicious times during the Purnima period. The shubh muhurat enhances the spiritual and emotional significance of the festival.

Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated across the country by following some simple Puja Vidhis. Here are those:

Preparation of the pooja thali

Take a pooja thali and arrange the essential items such as Rakhi, vermilion (Kumkum), Akshat (unbroken rice grains), sweets, a Diya (lamp), and incense sticks. Lighting the Diya and incense sticks before the main pooja starts.

Offer prayers to Lord Ganesh.

Begin by offering prayers to Lord Ganesh. Chant Ganesh mantras and pray to the god seeking his blessings for a successful and auspicious ceremony.

Also Read: Raksha Bandhan Gifts for Brother 2024

Apply tilak on the forehead of your brother.

Start the main Raksha Bandhan celebration by applying Tilak on your brother’s forehead. This act is a mark of protection and blessing.

Perform Aarti

Perform the aarti by moving the thali in a circular motion in front of your brother and chanting the devotional mantras. This ritual of Aarti signifies divine protection and blessings for your brother.

Tie the Rakhi

Tie the Rakhi on your brother’s wrist. In return, your brother will give you gifts or a token of money as a gesture of his commitment to protect you unconditionally.

Raksha Bandhan 2024: Rituals

As you already know, Raksha Bandhan is a significant festival in India and it includes an essential rite called the “pooja vidhi”. Some specific rituals are obeyed by the people to enhance the spiritual significance of the festival and strengthen the bond between siblings. Here’s how the puja vidhi is performed:

Preparation of pooja thali for Raksha Bandhan

Before the puja vidhi begins, a small pooja thali is prepared. In the pooja thali, it is required to include a diya (oil lamp), roli (vermillion powder), rice, sweets, and Rakhi. These items are symbolic and essential for the ceremony. However, this can vary according to the different communities and places.

Aarti and tilak to the foreheads

Sisters perform an aarti in front of their brothers by circularly waving the lamp. This act is a way of invoking divine blessings. After that sisters apply a tilak or roli on their brothers’ foreheads.

Tying the Rakhi on the wrist

After the aarti, the sisters tie the Rakhi around their brother’s wrists. This is the sacred thread that shows the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s health and success. While tying the Rakhi, sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being and success.

Exchange of Gifts

In return for tying the rakhi, brothers offer gifts to their sisters as a token of their affection. This shows the bond of love and protection.

Raksha Bandhan 2024:Celebrations across India

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. It is a festival that honors the special bond between brothers and sisters. In 2024, this joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan will be observed on August 19th. The celebrations of Raksha Bandhan are performed with traditional rituals and praying for blessings. The festivities begin with sisters performing aarti for their brothers, and then applying tilak on their brothers’ foreheads. Afterward, the sisters tie the Rakhi around their brother’s wrists. The threads of Rakhi are for their love, care, and prayers for their brothers’ well-being. In return showing promise to protect and cherish their sisters.

Also Read: Raksha Bandhan Gifts for Sister 2024

Raksha Bandhan Quotes

Here are 20 Raksha Bandhan quotes. Use these quotes to wish your loved ones this Raksha Bandhan 2024.

• “The thread of love and care that binds siblings together is unbreakable.”– Unknown.
• “Raksha Bandhan is a promise to protect and cherish forever.”– Unknown.
• “Siblings are the only enemy you can’t live without.”– Unknown.
• “On this special day, let’s celebrate the love and duty that brothers and sisters share.”– Unknown.
• “Raksha Bandhan: A bond of love, a bond of togetherness, it’s a thread that binds our lives and hearts.”– Unknown.
• “Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.” – Carol Saline.
• “There’s no other love like the love for a brother. There’s no other love like the love from a brother.” – Astrid Alauda.
• “A sister is someone who loves you from the heart. No matter how much you argue, you cannot be drawn apart.” – Shiv Sharma.
• “A brother’s love for his sister is like a shield that never breaks.” – Unknown.
• “A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves – a special kind of double.” – Toni Morrison.
• “Raksha Bandhan is the festival of bonding and togetherness, of love and affection.” – Unknown.
• “A brother is someone who knows there’s something wrong even when you have the biggest smile on your face.” – Unknown.
• “Sisters are for sharing laughter and wiping tears.” – Unknown.
• “Raksha Bandhan is not just about tying a thread; it’s about the promise to be there for each other.” – Unknown.
• “Brothers and sisters are connected by the heart no matter how far apart they are.” – Unknown.
• “Siblings are the truest, purest form of love, family, and friendship, knowing when to hold you and when to challenge you.” – Unknown.
• “Raksha Bandhan is a reminder that we are always there for each other, no matter the distance or time.” – Unknown.
• “A sibling is a lens through which you see your childhood.” – Ann Hood.
• “Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet.” – Vietnamese Proverb.
• “Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there.” – Amy Li.
• “A brother is a friend given by nature.” – Jean Baptiste Legouve.
• “Our paths may change as life goes along, but the bond between us remains ever strong.” – Unknown.
• “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” – Isadora James.
• “Brothers are playmates in the beginning and best friends for life.” – Unknown.
• “There is no buddy like a brother.” – Unknown.
• “Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.” – Unknown.
• “Brothers and sisters can say things to one another that no one else can.” – Gregory E. Lang.
• “Siblings: children of the same parents, each of whom is perfectly normal until they get together.” – Sam Levenson
• “The greatest gift our parents ever gave us was each other.” – Unknown.
• “A brother is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.” – Marion C. Garretty.
• “Brothers and sisters are one of the constant things in the lives of many people.” – Richard Branson.
• “What brothers say to tease their sisters has nothing to do with what they think of them.” – Esther M. Friesner.
• “A sibling may be the keeper of one’s identity, the only person with the keys to one’s unfettered, more fundamental self.” – Marian Sandmaier
• “Raksha Bandhan: a celebration of the most cherished bond between a brother and a sister.” – Unknown
• “Having a brother or sister is like having a built-in best friend for life. Happy Raksha Bandhan” – Unknown