Raksha Bandhan - Promise to Give Protection

Rakshabandhan or rakhi signifies the plutonic love and adoration between brother and sister. Rakshabandhan or rakhi is the day on which a sister ties a Rakhi or holy thread on the wrist of the brother thus deepens the bond and love between brother and sister. Raksha bandhan or rakhi also signifies the solemn promise by a brother to protect his sister always.

When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan, Rakshabandhan or Rakhi is celebrated on Purnima that is full moon day of Shravana that falls on Wednesday 5th of August 2009, by Hindu as well as by Sikhs with full gaiety and enthusiasm.

Historical signification of Raksha Bandhan, Rakshabandhan or Rakhi
Raksha Bandhan, Rakshabandhan or Rakhi has historical signification in India. In 16th century Rani Karnavati ( Queen Karnavati) of Chittor in Rajasthan when threatened by King Bahadur Shah of Gujarat send a rakhi to the great Mughal Emperor Humayun , who abandoned an ongoing military campaign and went back to rescue the Rani Karnavati. The tying of a rakhi signifies sister asking of her brother for his protection and love for her.

Similar story are prevalent by Krishna and Draupadi, King Bali and Goddess Laxmi, Yama (the Lord of Death) and the Yamuna and Vritra (wife of King Indra) and Indra.

How is Raksha Bandhan, Rakshabandhan or Rakhi celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is celebrated all over India, early in the morning after taking bath sister ties rakhi on the wrist of her brother in presence of all the elder members. She put tikha (mark on the center of forehead) of her brother then by singing songs for her brother tries rakhi on the wrist of her brother. Performs arati and gives sweets to brother. In return brother gives gifts and takes solemn oath to give protection to his sister for her life.

Rakhi is tried not only to own brother but cousins, neighbour or any male member who can be her brother. It is also social binding between different families.

Gifts of rakhi or Raksha Bandhan or Rakshabandhan
Entire market is in full swing in selling rakhi and rakhi gifts in India. A gift in India varies from small toys to precious jewels. Rakhi gifts in India diverge according to one's affordability.

Traditions like rakhi or Raksha Bandhan or Rakshabandhan helps in reducing tension and embrace good will and fellow feeling, gives an opportunity to modify our responsibility as humans and bring joy in our routine life. Hindu's always pray at last that "May all be happy, may all be free from problems, may all observe only the good, may nobody be in distress.

Have a great Raksha Bandhan !