Raksha Bandhan is an auspicious day that celebrates the unbreakable bond between a brother and a sister. The true meaning of the festival resonates from its literal translation that reads ‘safety’ and ‘bond’. On this day, sisters from most parts of the Indian subcontinent, tie a talisman, or an amulet, called rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers, who in return reward their sisters with gifts and the promise to protect them from every difficult situation in their lives. However, with the changing times, many sisters have taken it upon themselves to promise theirs the same.
This year Rakshabandhan will be celebrated on the 3rd of August. Every year there is a specific time which is considered most auspicious for the ritual. This year, it will be from 9:28 in the morning till 9:17 in the night.
That being said, here’s a proper glimpse at the history and significance of the festival.
Raksha Bandhan History
Amongst the many historical references for the celebration of Raksha Bandhan, one of most popular stories is linked to the Mughal period, the widowed Empress of Chittor, Karnavati, could not bear the crisis in her state and sent a Rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun. With the help of this gesture, she sought help to protect her state against the attack of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Accordingly, Humayun sent a huge army to protect his sister.
It is also believed that Draupadi once tore a strip of her saree and tied it to Krishna’s bleeding wrist. From them onwards, Krishna declared her his sister and also protected her, when she was publicly humiliated by the Kauravas, after being gambled away in a dice game by her husbands.
Raksha Bandhan is also associated with the birth of Goddess Santoshi, and the relationship between Goddess Santoshi and King Bali. Along with that, one of the popular beliefs also lies in the relationship between Lord Yama and Yamuna. Following the death of Lord Yama, Yamuna ties an amulet around Yama’s wrist and bestows immortality.