Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) 2024 Date, Muhrat Timing, Importance, History, Significance, Pooja Vidhi & Rituals,

Raksha Bandhan: Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a Hindu festival that honors the bond between brothers and sisters. In 2024, Rakhi falls on the 19th of August. Although it is a public holiday in certain states, it is observed nationwide as a representation of the sibling relationship. Raksha Bandhan, a significant festival in the Hindu community, celebrates the special bond between siblings.

Translating to ‘the bond of protection, obligation or care’ in English, Raksha Bandhan is observed on the last day of the lunar calendar month of Shravan. In 2024, Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) will be commemorated on 19th August, a Monday. Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, holds a significant place in Hindu culture as a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. The tradition of Raksha Bandhan involves various rituals that symbolize the promise of protection and love between siblings. On 19th August 2024, Monday, India will celebrate Raksha Bandhan with great fervor.

Raksha Bandhan 2024

The festival is observed throughout India under different names across various states and communities, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian culture. Apart from tying the sacred thread (Rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, sisters pray for their well-being and longevity. In return, brothers offer gifts and vow to protect their sisters throughout their lives. The significance of Raksha Bandhan extends beyond just sibling relationships; it epitomizes the values of love, care, and unity within families. The festival’s traditions vary from region to region but share the common essence of strengthening familial bonds.

During Raksha Bandhan, families come together to partake in festive rituals like applying tilak (vermilion mark) on the forehead, performing aarti (ritual prayer), exchanging gifts, and sharing a meal. These customs foster closeness among family members and create lasting memories. In addition to its cultural and historical importance, Raksha Bandhan transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated by people of all backgrounds as a day of expressing love and gratitude towards their loved ones. The festival encapsulates the essence of protection, respect, and mutual affection that define relationships between siblings in Indian society.

Raksha Bandhan Details

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Raksha Bandhan 2024 Date and Muhrat Timing

Raksha Bandhan is a significant Indian festival that symbolizes the bond of love and protection between siblings. Celebrated with great enthusiasm by people of all cultures, Raksha Bandhan holds a special place in the hearts of families across the country. In 2024, Raksha Bandhan falls on the 19th of August, which is a Monday, and on the 20th of August, which is a Tuesday.

On this auspicious day, sisters tie a sacred thread called a “rakhi” on their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of their unconditional love and prayers for their well-being. In return, brothers promise to protect and care for their sisters throughout their lives. The festival also includes exchanging gifts, sweets, and sharing joyous moments with loved ones. It is a time for strengthening family bonds and celebrating the beautiful relationship between siblings.

• Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time – 01:30 PM to 08:56 PM
• Raksha Bandhan Bhadra End Time – 01:30 PM
• Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Punchha – 09:51 AM to 10:53 AM
• Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Mukha – 10:53 AM to 12:37 PM
• Purnima Tithi Begins – 03:04 AM on Aug 19, 2024
• Purnima Tithi Ends – 11:55 PM on Aug 19, 2024

Importance of Raksha Bandhan Festival

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a beloved festival celebrated in India to commemorate the special bond shared between brothers and sisters. This occasion holds great significance as it symbolizes the profound love, care, and protection that siblings vow to each other. Beyond strengthening the sibling relationship, Raksha Bandhan fosters unity, love, and mutual respect within families. It serves as a poignant reminder of the values of loyalty, trust, and unwavering support that form the foundation of any strong relationship.

The beauty of Raksha Bandhan lies in its ability to transcend barriers and bring families together in celebration. By honoring the sacred bond between siblings, this festival reinforces the importance of familial ties and cherished traditions. Through the exchange of Rakhi threads and gifts, joy and happiness are spread among loved ones, creating lasting memories filled with warmth and affection. Raksha Bandhan is a time-honored tradition that not only celebrates the unbreakable bond of love between siblings but also promotes values that resonate deeply with individuals across generations.

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Raksha Bandhan History and Significance

Raksha Bandhan dates back to the time of Gods and Goddesses. Legend has it that Draupadi wrapped a cloth around Lord Krishna’s wrist after he injured his finger battling the wicked King Shishupal. In gratitude, Krishna vowed to safeguard her.

In medieval history, there is a notable account of a brother pledging to protect his sister. Facing a threat from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, Rani Karnavati of Mewar sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun, appealing for assistance. Moved by her action, the Mughal emperor halted his military operations and promptly came to the queen’s aid.

In 1905, Rabindranath Tagore initiated Rakhi Mahotsav during the Partition of Bengal to foster unity and affection among Hindus and Muslims in the region, as a response to the British attempt to create discord between the communities.

Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi

Raksha Bandhan, a beloved festival celebrated in India, holds great significance with its traditional ritual known as the “pooja vidhi.” This ritual begins with the preparation of a small pooja thali containing essential items such as a diya (oil lamp), roli (vermilion powder), rice grains, sweets, and the sacred Rakhi. Sisters perform an Aarti by waving the lamp in a circular motion before their brothers, applying a tilak of roli on their foreheads. Following this, they lovingly tie the Rakhi around their brothers’ wrists, offering heartfelt prayers for their well-being and prosperity.

In a beautiful gesture of love and protection, brothers reciprocate by presenting gifts to their sisters as tokens of affection and assurance to shield them from all hardships. The pooja vidhi not only fosters a spiritual ambiance but also strengthens the unbreakable bond shared between siblings. This cherished tradition emphasizes the essence of Raksha Bandhan as a joyous celebration of love, care, and familial protection that transcends time.

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Raksha Bandhan 2024 Celebrations across India

On this occasion, a girl applies tilak on her brother’s forehead, performs his aarti, and ties a Rakhi on his wrist to celebrate their special bond. In exchange, the brother presents his sister with special gifts and pledges to look after and protect her in all situations.

In Rajasthani and Marwari communities, there is a tradition of attaching a ‘Lumba Rakhi’ to the bangle of a brother’s wife. The ritual is deemed incomplete without her presence as she is regarded as the equal partner who will also bear the responsibility for the sister’s well-being. This practice is gaining popularity among other Indian communities too.

Rituals of Raksha Bandhan

The festival of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan holds both historical and socio-cultural importance. It commences with the ritual of ‘pooja vidhi’ where a pooja thali containing an oil lamp (diya), vermilion powder (roli), rice grains, sweets, and rakhi is prepared. The ceremony begins with the sister performing an Aarti, circling the lamp in front of her brother, applying a tilak with roli, and finally tying the Rakhi on his wrist.

Following that, the siblings exchange sweets and the brother presents his sister with a tilak of roli on their foreheads. Sisters tie Rakhi, praying for their brother’s well-being and prosperity as the brother vows to safeguard her in return.

Celebration of Rakhi in India

The festival of Raksha Bandhan holds socio-cultural importance, promoting wider cultural values and unity. Celebrated beyond religious and regional boundaries, Rakhi is highly significant in India.

• In West Bengal, Rakhi is commonly referred to as Jhulan Purnima. Devotees venerate Lord Krishna and Radha. Sisters seek blessings for their brothers’ longevity, good health, and prosperity as they tie the rakhi.
• In Maharashtra, the Koli community celebrates Narali Pournima, also known as the coconut day festival, by offering coconuts to Lord Varuna, the Hindu God of the Sea, to seek blessings. Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated by brothers and sisters.
• In Rajasthani and Marwari communities, a ‘Lumba Rakhi’ is attached to the bangle of the brother’s wife. It is considered essential for the wife to participate in the ceremony as she is the brother’s companion and also plays a role in the sister’s welfare.
• In numerous locations, individuals fly kites during Rakhi. In various parts of North India, married daughters return to their maternal homes or some brothers visit their married sisters bearing sweets.
• Rakhi is widely recognized as Janai Purnima or Rishitarpani in Nepal and is commemorated through a sacred thread ritual. In certain parts of Nepal, sisters tie rakhi on their brothers’ wrists. While Hindu men change the thread worn around their chests (janai).
• In Odisha, Raksha Bandhan is referred to as Rakhi Purnima & Gamha Purnima. Gamha Purnima coincides with Lord Balabhadra’s birthday, and farmers in Odisha celebrate this occasion by tying rakhis to their livestock.

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