नवीनतम
Raksha Bandhan-The Bond of Love
Raksha Bandhan, a tradition that honours the bond between a brother and sister, is one of the biggest festivals in India. Commonly known as Rakhi, Raksha Bandhan is observed on the Purnima Tithi (Full Moon day) in the month of the holy month of Shravana (a month dedicated to Lord Shiva) as per the Hindu calendar. Ahead of the festival this year, read on to know why Rakhi is celebrated, the date and history, the Rakhi tying Vidhi and other frequently asked questions.
Raksha Bandhan pays tribute to the brother-sister bond. Sisters secure a sacred thread, referred to as Rakhi, to their brother's right wrist after performing a few rituals. This sacred thread is a symbol of protection and security.
Raksha Bandhan is observed on the Purnima Tithi, i.e. on the full moon day in the month of Shravana. And this year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated tomorrow, August 11.
Nowadays it is not just the brothers and sisters who tie rakhi to each other but also friends, and distant relatives who have started this tradition. Rakhi is now toed to anyone who at any point has provided some kind of protection or care to another.
Many women also visit temples and tie threads to the idol of Lord Krishna, hoping and praying for the Lord to protect them from hardships and evils.
Raksha Bandhan 2022 Bhadra time
According to astrologer Pandit Sujeet Ji Maharaj, the Purnima Tithi will remain in effect from August 11 at 9:34 AM till 7:17 AM on August 12. However, the Purnima Tithi will be impaired by Bhadra, a time considered inauspicious for tying the sacred thread. As per the expert, one must avoid performing Raksha Bandhan rituals when Bhadra prevails.
Therefore, the time to secure Rakhi commences only after 5:40 PM. Although the Purnima Tithi ends on the morning of August 12, the priest suggests it is best to celebrate Rakhi on August 11 itself.
However, one may also wait for the Pradosh Kaal to start as per a Panchang. Traditionally, the Aparahna Kaal is deemed best for tying the Rakhi. However, one may celebrate Raksha Bandhan during the Pradosh Kaal. This year, Pradosh Kaal will remain effective between 8:51 PM to 9:13 PM, and this is deemed the best Muhurat.
Significance of Raksha Bandhan
There are various legends associated with this festival, and these narrate how the practice of tying the sacred thread came into being. Interestingly, one of the stories related to Raksha Bandhan involves a couple. Here's how one of the legends unfolds:
Draupadi and Shri Krishna
An interesting incident dating back to the times of the Pandavas explains the significance and history of Rakhi.
The Pandavas invited Lord Krishna to an event to mark the establishment of Indraprastha as Yudishthir's kingdom. And among the several guests, Shishupal, the estranged cousin of Shri Krishna was also present. Shishupal deplored Krishna and humiliated him in the presence of the guests and crossed all limits of sinning. Therefore, to punish him, Shri Krishna fired his Sudarshana Chakra at him. However, when the Chakra returned to Shri Krishna's hand, it made a deep cut on his finger. And Draupadi, who was his closest friend, tore a piece of her clothing to cover his wound. This gesture of Draupadi won her Shri Krishna's eternal blessings. And eventually, when the Pandavas failed to protect her honour upon being humiliated by Dushasana, Shri Krishna's grace guarded her. Thus Shri Krishna venerated Draupadi's gesture and shielded her from the enemies.
Here's wishing all those who celebrate this festival, a very Happy Raksha Bandhan in advance.
