Raksha Bandhan 2024 and its significance in India

Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival that honors the unconditional love that exists between siblings. Check here when is Raksha Bandhan 2024.

Raksha Bandhan, Rakhi Festival

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Rakhi 2024- Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is celebrated every year on the full moon in the Hindu month of Shravan. Raksha Bandhan in 2024 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 30th August. Sisters tie rakhi on their brothers’ wrists on this day to protect them from negative influences and to pray for their long life and happiness. North India is where this festival is most widely observed.

About Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi Festival)

The terms “Raksha” and “Bandhan” combine to form Raksha Bandhan. The festival is described in Sanskrit as “the tie or knot of protection, with “Raksha” meaning protection and “Bandhan” denoting to tie. Together, the celebration represents the enduring love of brother-sister bonds.

Cousins, sisters, fraternal aunts, nephews, and other relatives also celebrate it. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which falls in August most years.

When is Rakhsha Bandhan in 2024?

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi in 2024 festival will be celebrated on Monday 19th August.

History of Raksha Bandhan Festival

The history of Raksha Bandhan takes us back to Hindu mythology. As per Hindu mythology, there are many tales behind the Raksha Bandhan festival or Rakhi festival out of which the most popular legend is of Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna- Mahabharata

In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna was injured and left with a bleeding finger during a war with the devil King Shishupal. Draupadi had torn a portion of her saree and tied it over his damaged finger to prevent the bleeding.

Lord Krishna appreciated her care and compassion. He felt engulfed by her sisterly affection and sympathy. Thus, a bond, that of brother and sister developed between them, and he promised to protect her. 

The other mythological stories behind the Raksha Bandhan festival include:

Indra Dev and Sachi

According to the ancient legend, once there was a fierce battle between gods and demons. Lord Indra was having a tough fight with the powerful demon King, Bali. The war did not come to a decisive end.

Seeing this, Indra’s wife Sachi went to Lord Vishnu who gave her a holy cotton thread. Sachi tied the holy thread around the wrist of Lord Indra who ultimately defeated the demons. In early times, the sacred threads were not just for siblings.

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi

As per ancient when Lord Vishnu won the three worlds from the demon King Bali, he was asked by the demon king to stay in the palace. Vishnu accepted the request and started living in the palace. However, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu wanted him to return to Vaikuntha.

Therefore, she tied a rakhi around the wrist of Bali and made him her brother. On asking about the return gift, Goddess Lakshmi asked Bali to free her husband and let him return to Vaikuntha. Bali agreed and thus Lord Vishnu returned to his place with Goddess Lakshmi.

You can also check out the other stories and legends on Raksha Bandhan- The story of Alexander the Great and King Puru & The story of Rani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun.

Raksha Bandhan in 2024 - How is it Celebrated?

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as a sign of obligation between brothers and sisters. The festival is intended to honor any form of brother-sister relationship.

On this day, a sister wraps a rakhi around her brother’s wrist and prays for his prosperity, health, and well-being. In exchange, the brother offers presents and swears to defend his sister from any danger and under any circumstances.

The ritual includes the sisters performing aarti and lighting a Diya, which symbolizes the fire deity. Sisters pray for their brother’s well-being and place a “tilak” on their brothers’ foreheads

Various Ways Of Celebrating Raksha Bandhan in 2024 Across India

The various ways to celebrate Raksha Bandhan in 2024 across India are: 

Rakhi in Northeastern part of India – Shravan Purnima

Rakhi has evolved into a popular festival in northeast India over the years. States with a substantial Hindu population, such as Assam and Tripura, celebrate the festival with great zeal. The Rakhi celebration, however, is no longer limited to Hinduism. People of various faiths bind their siblings’ wrists with a protective thread.

Rakhi in Western Coastal – Nariyal Purnima

In the western coastal region, Rakhi Purnima marks the beginning of the Monsoon season. The new fishing season begins, and the fishermen honor Lord Varun (The Hindu Rain God)  by throwing coconuts into the sea.

Rakhi in Gujarat – Pavitropana

On this auspicious day, the people in Gujarat worship Lord Shiva. According to legend, everyone who worships Lord Shiva on this day is cleansed of all his sins. Pavitropana is formed of Pavitras, a few filaments of cotton and Kasa grass that are then soaked in a Panchgaivya mixture of five cow products. The Shivalinga is then wrapped with this thread.

Rakhi in West Bengal And Odisha – Jhulan Purnima

Jhulan Yatra or Purnima is a celebration that commemorates Radha and Krishna’s courtship. A magnificent event of singing and dancing takes place over the course of a week in West Bengal & Odisha

Rakhi in Southern Parts Of India – Avani Avittam

In South India, Rakhi Purnima is known as Avani Avittam. On this day, Brahmins change the holy thread known as Janeyu, which they wear after having a holy bath.

Rakhi in Central Regions Of India– Kajari Purnima

In Central India, the Raksha Bandhan celebration is significant for farmers since it marks the beginning of the wheat and barley sowing seasons. Women collect soil in a cup made of leaves, which is then placed in a dark location in the house and worshipped for seven days before being immersed in a pond. 

Raksha Bandhan 2024 Wishes

Dear brother, even if we are distanced you will always be in my heart. Happy Raksha Bandhan.

I know I have a brother watching out for me no matter where we are in the world. Happy  Raksha Bandhan to everybody!

On this auspicious Rakhi occasion, I wish that our bond deepens with each passing moment. Dearest sister, I wish you a very happy Raksha Bandhan.

A sister is a blessing in life, a source of delight in the heart, and a soul buddy. I adore you sister, Happy  Raksha Bandhan to you!!

I have the most adorable and kindest brother on the planet. Thank you for always being the greatest!! Happy Raksha Bandhan to you!

Enjoy a Short Video of Rakhsha Bandhan

FAQ’S Raksha Bandhan in 2024

Raksha Bandhan in 2024 or Rakhi 2024 is on Monday, 19th August 2024.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated between brother-sisters by tying rakhi on wrist.

Although, there is not any specific day to remove Rakhi, w e can remove it anytime, but if you follow Maharashtrian traditions, then Rakhi is usually removed on the 15th day from Raksha Bandhan.

Rakhi should be tied on the right-hand.

The ritual includes the sisters performing aarti and lighting a diya, which symbolizes the fire deity. Sisters pray for their brother’s well-being and place a “tilak” on their brothers’ foreheads.

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