Wondering what Raksha Bandhan is all about? Online Temple shows you the details. Apart from Bhai Dooj, Raksha Bandhan is the only festival that highlights the familial bond between siblings. But it is not just for blood relations. It extends to people who you consider your sibling as well. Learn the importance this festival holds in the hearts of Indian people. They celebrate it by tying a colorful, sacred thread on the wrist of their sibling. And sometimes, they also book online pujas or conduct one at home. Many Indians believe that doing holy havan on this day brings harmony and good luck.
The Significance And Traditions Of Raksha Bandhan Celebrations
Traditionally meant as a festival between brothers and sisters, it evolved to be celebrated across all siblings. This year, it will be celebrated on 9th August. This being a Saturday, most of you can enjoy it with your loved ones. Despite being an ancient festival in the Hindu religion, Raksha Bandhan is only a public holiday in a few Indian states. What comes across as a surprise is that people from many cultures have accepted this ritual. It has become a concept of love, duty and protection worldwide.
Why is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated in the Monsoons?
As the rain arrives, it washes away all the dirt and filth from the surroundings. It settles the dust particles in the air, making it heavy with moisture so it sinks to the ground instead of disrupting people’s health. This cleansing is taken as a sacred meaning when the month of Shravan renews people’s hopes and vigor of life. This is why this month is considered the holiest to celebrate the untainted bond between siblings – both blood and heart related.
Legends Related to the Sibling Festival of Raksha Bandhan
Prepare yourself with our puja samagri online if you want to celebrate the festival as well. So, you might be surprised to know this but don’t tell us that we didn’t inform you. Traces of this festival can be found back in 326 BC, when legends of Alexander the Great ruled supreme. In the Hindu scriptures, there are so many stories of Raksha Bandhan we would like to tell you!
Mythological Stories Behind the Festival of Raksha Bandhan
In one such story, the wife of Indra, Sachi tied a thread on Indra’s wrist to protect him against a battle with demon king Bali. It went on to show that the threads were possibly used as amulets, offering protection to the men going off to war.
In another legend mentioned in Bhagwat and Vishnu Puranas, Lord Vishnu defeated King Bali and conquered the 3 worlds. King Bali humbly requested Lord Vishnu to live in his palace. Goddess Lakshmi, his wife, disagreed. So, she tied a Rakhi on the wrist of King Bali, symbolising him as her brother. He granted her a wish and she asked for Lord Vishnu to return home.
Concluding with Raksha Bandhan Rituals Indians Enjoy on the Festival
So, on this day, sisters fill a small puja thali with a lit Diya, Roli and Akshat (vermillion powder and raw rice) along with sweets and Rakhis. After this is prepared, sisters do an aarti of their brothers where they wave the puja thali in a circular manner before their brother’s face. Then they put a tilak on their forehead by wetting the Roli with a little water. The sisters stick Akshat to the tilak next. After tying the Rakhi around their right wrist, they feed them sweets. In return, the brother presents them with gifts or money.
And that’s how you celebrate Raksha Bandhan! If that has inspired you to celebrate the festivities yourself with your siblings in tow, get prepared. You can easily do it yourself with a puja at home to bring in love and protection. If doing it yourself sounds daunting to you, we can help you with the best group of professional purohits & pandits to do it for you. Why wait anymore? Start now!
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