Raksha Bandhan 2015 - August 29th
Raksha Bandhan is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love.It is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Shraavana in the lunar calendar.
The word Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. Traditionally, during the festival sisters tie a rakhi, a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads, around their brothers' wrists to celebrate their relationship. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the Rakhi. This ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family.The importance of Raksha Bandhan is same as diwali festival in India.
The celebration of Raksha Bandhan is marked by happiness and excitement especially for young girls and women. Preparations for the festival begin well in advance.On the Raksha Bandhan day, the festivities start by the day break. Every one gets ready early and gathers for the worship of the deities. After invoking the blessings of the Gods, the sister performs brother’s arti, puts tika and chawal on his forehead and ties Rakhi amongst chanting of mantras. Then she gives him sweets and gifts. The brother accepts her offerings and vows to take care of her and be by her side in the time of need. As a token he gives the sister a return gift and sweets. The family reunion itself is the reason for celebration. Tasty dishes, sweets, gifts, sing and dance and what not. Any Indian festival is incomplete without this.
The celebration of Raksha Bandhan is marked by happiness and excitement especially for young girls and women. Preparations for the festival begin well in advance.On the Raksha Bandhan day, the festivities start by the day break. Every one gets ready early and gathers for the worship of the deities. After invoking the blessings of the Gods, the sister performs brother’s arti, puts tika and chawal on his forehead and ties Rakhi amongst chanting of mantras. Then she gives him sweets and gifts. The brother accepts her offerings and vows to take care of her and be by her side in the time of need. As a token he gives the sister a return gift and sweets. The family reunion itself is the reason for celebration. Tasty dishes, sweets, gifts, sing and dance and what not. Any Indian festival is incomplete without this.
The day is all about raksha or protection, not just for self but for the dear ones, for peaceful existence of the human race. Each ritual that is followed has a significance. The sisters seek love from their brothers, the brothers seek courage and endurance. People worship the Gods of water, the basis of life.
Rakhi has been promoted as a way of harmonious life by many a social workers and philoophers. It is a festival that dictates the values of brotherhood and self-perseverance.
Sample Rakhis:
Famous Rakhi Songs:
Song: Behna ne Bhai ki Kalai pai
Movie: Resham Ki Dor
Singer: Suman Kalyanpur
Behna Ne
Bhai Ki
Kalaai Pe
Behna Ne
Bhaai Ki
Kalaai Pe
Pyaar
Baandha Hai
Pyaar Ke Do
Taar Se,
Sansaar
Baandha Hai
Resham Ki
Dori Se,
Sansaar
Baandha Hai
Song:
Bhaiyya
Mere, Rakhi
ke Bandhan
Movie:
Chhoti Behan
Singer: Lata
Mangeshkar
Bhaiyya
mere, rakhi
ke bandhan
ko nibhana
bhaiyya
mere, choti
behan ko na
bhulana
dekho ye
nata nibhana,
nibhana
bhaiyaa
mere...
Rakhi ke
Bandhan
