Raksha Bandhan: A Festival of Love and Protection

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It is also known as Rakhi, Saluno, Silono, or Rakri in different regions of India. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which usually occurs in July or August.

On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread or amulet called Rakhi around the wrists of their brothers, symbolizing their love and protection. They also pray for their brothers’ well-being and happiness. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters from any harm and give them gifts as a token of their affection.

Raksha Bandhan is not only a celebration of siblinghood, but also a celebration of family and culture. It strengthens the ties between relatives and friends, and fosters a sense of harmony and unity in the society. It also reflects the values of respect, care, and duty that are essential for any relationship.

Legends And Stories Associated with Raksha Bandhan

1. Draupadi and Krishna in the Mahabharata: The origin of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to ancient times, when various legends and stories are associated with it. One such legend is that of Draupadi and Krishna in the Mahabharata epic. When Krishna injured his finger while using his divine discus, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it around his wound to stop the bleeding. Krishna was touched by her gesture and vowed to protect her from any danger. He later fulfilled his promise by saving her from being dishonored by the Kauravas.
2. Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun in the Medieval period: Another legend is that of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun in the medieval period. When Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, faced a threat from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, she sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun, seeking his help. Humayun was moved by her plea and rushed to her aid with his army. However, he arrived too late and found that Rani Karnavati had already performed jauhar (self-immolation) along with other women to avoid capture by the enemy. Humayun then fought against Bahadur Shah and restored the kingdom to Rani Karnavati’s son³

These legends illustrate the power and significance of Rakhi as a symbol of protection, obligation, and care. Raksha Bandhan is not just a ritual, but a way of life that honors the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post on Raksha Bandhan. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!