Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan, popularly known as Rakhee, is celebrated across India and pan-Indian countries. Raksha means ‘protection’ and Bandhan means ‘to tie’. As the word signifies, it implies “to tie a knot of protection.” This festival is observed as a symbol of duty between brothers and sisters. This may not be limited to blood relationships but can extend to others – even beyond religious, caste and communal boundaries – creating voluntary kin relationships of siblings. This is achieved by the tying of rakhee – a sacred ornate talisman that is tied on the wrist of the brother. The festival occurs on the full moon day of the lunar month of Shravana (Sharavana Poornima). It is also known by other names like – Rakhree, Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal Poornima and Kajari Poornima.
On this day, brothers renew their promise to protect their sisters from all harm, and the sisters pray for the protection of their brothers from evil. The rakhee, a wristlet made of colored silk, woolen or satin ribbon, is tied around the wrist of the brother for this ceremony. The rakhee can be as simple as a plain thread or ribbon or could be elaborate like a piece of jewelry made of silver, gold, diamonds, and precious gems. The brothers reciprocate with money and gifts as a symbol of their commitment.
Numerous mythological stories are associated with this festival. One of them is the story of Indra and Sachi from the Bhavishya Purana. In the battle between Gods and demons, Lord Indra, who was fighting for the Gods was having a tough time against the powerful demon King Bali. As the war continued for a long time, Lord Indra was fatigued. So, Indira’s wife Sachi went to Lord Vishnu and pleaded for his help and protection of her husband. Lord Vishnu gave her a holy amulet made of a cotton thread to tie around the wrist of Lord Indra. Lord Indra ultimately defeated the demons and recovered the Amaravati.
Another is the tale of King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi from the Bhagavata and the Vishnu Purana. After Lord Vishnu won the 3 worlds from the Demon King Bali, he is asked by Bali to stay with him in the palace. The Lord accepts and moves to live in King Bali’s palace. However, Goddess Lakshmi wants to return to their home in Vaikuntha. So, she ties a sacred thread on the wrist of Bali and makes him her brother. When Bali asks her on what she wants in return, she asks him to free her husband of his word and allow him to return to Vaikuntha. Bali releases Lord Vishnu and the couple return to their celestial home.
How to celebrate
Items to Purchase
- Rakhi
- Flowers, fruits
- Sweets
- Kumkum
Puja at home (process) (Link to the complete puja process)
Watch Video
Hindu worship or puja at home requires idols (murtis/deity) and prayers (mantras). Usually the deity(s) or pictures are kept in a quiet place called a puja room. Puja in Sanskrit means “honor” or “worship”. We welcome God or Goddess the same way as we welcome our guests. If time is of the essence, the following steps can be taken for the puja:
- Sit on a small carpet or low stool (raised wood plank) facing North or East.
- Create an altar for the presiding deity.
- Clean the place and God/Goddess by sprinkling a few drops of water. Use a separate cloth to wipe the deity and later, apply Haldi (turmeric) & Kumkum to the deity.
- Light the lamps and place in front of the deity.
- Keep betel leaves, nuts, flowers and fruits, Rakhi on a plate in front of The God/Goddess.
- After keeping the items in front of the God/Goddess, begin with Ganesh or Vishwaksena puja or prarthana.
- Then, start chanting slokas or mantras as per your family traditions.
- After worshiping with slokas, you decorate the God/Goddess with flowers and offer Naivedyam.
- Light aarti deya and perform aarti.
- Finally, conclude with Pradakshina (circumambulation, which means going in a clockwise direction) namaskar at the end of puja.
- Give everyone present, prasad which you offered as Naivedyam.
- The sister puts Kumkum on her brother’s forehead and ties the wristlet, rakhi, around his wrist.
- The brother gives her a gift and puts something sweet in her mouth symbolizing the bond.
Activities for children
- Make wristlets from materials from arts and crafts store.
- Decorate the house with colored strings to make it festive.