Raksha Bandhan, a significant Hindu festival, reveres the unique connection between brothers and sisters. This heartwarming occasion sees sisters tying a sacred thread, the Rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of protection and a heartfelt prayer for their well-being. Brothers, in turn, express their commitment to safeguarding their sisters and offer them gifts. This year, Raksha Bandhan 2023 has a special significance for the people who celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm.
Celebrated during the month of Shravan on the auspicious Purnima, Raksha Bandhan is not confined to biological siblings; it extends to cousins, close friends, and even adopted siblings. The festival encapsulates the essence of sibling bonds, nurturing love, care, and protection within families.
Beyond biological ties, Raksha Bandhan is a unifying force, bringing together families. Sisters perform aarti, a ceremonial act of worship, for their brothers, fostering an atmosphere of joy and deepening the sibling connection. The celebration has evolved to be more inclusive, transcending religious boundaries. This shift has led people from diverse backgrounds to embrace Raksha Bandhan as a celebration of love and harmony. This once-religious festivity has now blossomed into a cherished event cherished by people of all faiths, both in India and around the world.
The Significance of Raksha Bandhan 2023
Raksha Bandhan, when dissected, consists of “Raksha” which signifies protection, and “Bandhan” which means bond or tie. Together, the term embodies the protective bond a brother offers to his sister. The ritual involves the sister tying the Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, symbolizing her affection and prayers for his well-being. In return, the brother vows to be her protector and supporter throughout her life.
Historical and Mythological Origins of Raksha Bandhan
The roots of Raksha Bandhan trace back to a tapestry of mythological and historical legends. One famous tale involves Lord Krishna and Draupadi, where she used a piece of her saree to bind Krishna’s injured finger, and he vowed to protect her. This story often serves as the foundation of the Rakhi tradition. Another narrative revolves around Queen Karnavati and Emperor Humayun, where the queen sent a Rakhi to the emperor, seeking his assistance and safeguarding.
Raksha Bandhan 2023 Date and Shubh Mahurat/ Timings:
This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 30, 2023. The ceremony is advised not to be conducted during Bhadra, considered inauspicious for any significant activities. Instead, the following timings are recommended:
Purnima tithi begins at 10:58 AM on August 30, 2023.
Purnima tithi begins at 07:05 AM on August 31, 2023.
Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time: After 09:01 PM
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra End Time: 09:01 PM
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Punchha: 05:30 PM to 06:31 PM
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Mukha: 06:31 PM to 08:11 PM
The ideal time for tying the Rakhi is during Aparahna. Alternatively, Pradosh time is also suitable for the ceremony.
Raksha Bandhan 2023 Puja Vidhi:
Purify Yourself: Begin by taking a bath and donning clean attire, symbolizing purity for the puja.
Prepare the Puja Thali: Arrange a thali with Rakhi threads, rice grains, kumkum or sandalwood paste, unbroken rice grains (Akshat), sweets, a diya (lamp), and incense sticks. Light the diya and incense as a representation of divine presence.
Offer Prayers: Invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha by offering prayers, seeking success and auspiciousness for the ceremony.
Apply Tilak and Aarti: Apply tilak on your brother’s forehead and perform an aarti by encircling the thali around him clockwise, accompanied by aarti mantras or devotional songs.
Tie the Rakhi: With the Rakhi thread, tie a knot around your brother’s right wrist, expressing your love and affection.
Exchange Gifts and Sweets: After tying the Rakhi, exchange gifts and sweets, symbolizing love and appreciation. Your brother may reciprocate with a token of affection.
Seek Blessings: If you’re the younger sibling, seek blessings from your sister and touch her feet as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
Share a Meal: Prepare a special meal or your sibling’s favorite dishes and enjoy a familial meal together.
These are overarching guidelines for the Raksha Bandhan 2023 puja. Customs may vary based on regional traditions and family preferences.
Can People of other religion celebrate Raksha Bandhan 2023?
Jainism
Within the Jain community, Raksha Bandhan holds significance as a festival that echoes their core principle of non-violence. This occasion serves as a poignant reminder of their dedication to safeguarding all sentient beings. Through the act of tying rakhis on the wrists of friends and family, Jains symbolize their solemn vow to cherish and shield their relationships.
Sikhism:
In the realm of Sikhism, Raksha Bandhan takes on the name “Rakhri” or “Rakhardi” and is met with fervor and excitement. Sikhs partake in the practice of adorning the wrists of their beloved ones with rakhis, which symbolize affection and safeguarding. The festival underscores the significance of selfless service, empathy, and the spirit of fraternity.
Buddhism:
While Raksha Bandhan is not extensively observed within Buddhism, there are instances of its celebration among Buddhists in specific pockets of India. This occasion serves as a representation of friendship and protective bonds, fostering goodwill and unity among individuals and promoting harmony.
Consulting elders or family members for specific customs is advised. As Raksha Bandhan 2023 approaches, let’s embrace the festival’s spirit, fortifying the unbreakable bond that ties siblings together.