rakshabandhan
10 August 2014 is Rakshabandhan, Rakhi Festival. It falls on the Purnima (full moon) of Shravana month as per the Hindu traditional calendar. This particular festival is related to sibling and friendship. Raksha Bandhan literally means “the bond of protection”.
It is to be highly remembered that Rakhi is a grand and special Hindu festival that is primarily observed in India, Nepal and Mauritius, which grandly celebrates the perfect relationship between brothers (shaurya), cousins and sisters (shreya).
It is also locally known as Rakhi Purnima in most of Northern India. It is to be highly noted that it is also grandly celebrated in some regions of Pakistan.
According to the local legends, “In fact, the popular practice of Raksha Bandhan has its historical associations also. The Rajput queens practised the custom of sending rakhi threads to neighbouring rulers as token of brotherhood. “Rakhi strengthens communal ties”. But even today, in many cities across the country, Hindu girls tie rakhi on the wrist of youths they consider their brothers.”
The central ceremony involves the tying of a rakhi (sacred thread) by a sister on her brother’s wrist. This symbolizes the sister’s love and prayers for her brother’s well-being, and the brother’s lifelong vow to protect her. The festival falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Shravan month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. One Islamic Scholar believes that Raksha Bandhan grew in popularity after Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun when she required his help.”
The auspicious festival is largely marked by the tying of holy thread or Rakhi that is available in the open market or homemade and comes in several colors and attractive designs. It is tied by the sister with lot of love and affection on the wrist of her brother. In return, the brother offers a packet of gift to his beloved sister and wholeheartedly vows to look after her.
Rakshabandhan Muhurat on 10th August 2014, Best Time to tie Rakhi
Mantram to chant during Tying Rakhi (Rakshabandhan Mantra)
Raksha Bandhan rituals & customs
Reference of Raksha Bandhan in History
Reference of Rakhi Festival in Mahabharat
Legend of Raksha Bandhan in Bhavishya Purana