Raksha Bandhan: Celebrating the bond of love between brothers and sisters

Bellevision Media Network

10 Aug 2014: Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of Shravan (August) according to the Hindu calendar.  This year it falls on Sunday 10 August 2014. It’s the day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their affectionate bond. It is typically a Hindu festival but nowadays people from different faiths celebrate it too. On this day, Sisters tie a sacred threads or a colorful special band, rightly called the ’Rakhi’ on their brothers’ wrist as a mark of affection, sisterly love and sublime sentiments. The brothers in return promise to protect their sisters and offer them gifts.

 

 

’Raksha’ means protection and ’Bandhan’ means binding or bound. The prosperous Indian mythology provides many religious reasons to celebrate the day. The festival is mentioned in most of the Indian epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological times. The practice of tying thread was traditionally prevalent in the Indian history.

 

The festival is celebrated in different forms in different areas and is also known by different names. As per traditions, on this day the sister prepares the Puja Thali with a Diya, Rice, Roli and Rakhis. She worships the Gods, ties Rakhi to her brother and prays for his well-being. In return the brother accepts the love with a promise to protect her sister and gives her a gift. Traditionally, they then share and eat sweets like Kaju Katli, Jalebi, and Burfi. This festival strengthens the bond of love between the sisters and brothers.