What is the Importance of Raksha Bandhan?

The affluent Indian mythology provides many religious reasons to celebrate the Raksha Bandhan day. It is believed that during the Mahabharata times, Draupadi tied a rakhi on Krishna's wrist when he injured his finger while he was using Sudarshan chakra again Shishupal. So, to stop the flow of blood Draupadi tore a piece from her saree and tied around Krishna's hand as a sign of protection. In ancient times even queens used to send rakhis to their neighborhood brothers as a sign of love and token of brotherhood.

Rakshabandhan usually falls on the Purnima or full moon day of the Shravan month as per the Hindu calendar. In the year 2019, it will be celebrated on the 15th of August. Traditionally, Raksha Bandhan is meant to make the bond of love, affection, and trust between brothers and sisters stronger. Sisters pray for their brother’s long and healthy life by tying rakhi on their wrists.

Rakhi is not just a simple thread tied on the wrist of the brother, it is considered stronger than even iron chains. Raksha' means safety or protection and 'Bandhan' means binding. As per traditions, on this day the sister prepares the Puja Thali with a Diya, Roli, Rice, and Rakhis. Sisters worship the Gods, ties Rakhi to their brother and prays for their well-being. In return, the brother accepts the love and vows to protect his sister and gives her a gift. Sister shows their love and affection towards their brother by buying rakhi gifts for brother as their token of love.

The festival of Raksha Bandhan is especially a festival of emotions and sensations. A bond which binds two people with a thread of affection. Restricting Raksha Bandhan to brother and sister will not be right. Rather, any bond that can bind to anyone. The true significance of the rakhi lies in its expression of love. As the years have passed by, Raksha Bandhan has evolved in its sense and expression. From tying rakhis around trees to protect tribal people, to people trying it on their pets, and people of different faiths tying it on each other to send out a message of endurance to the community, the festival of Raksha Bandhan has progressed into a celebration of togetherness and companionship.