Raksha Bandhan 2021 is going to be celebrated on 22nd August 2021. So, this year, we are having our beloved sibling festival on Sunday. According to the Hindu calendar or otherwise known as the Panchang, Raksha Bandhan falls in the month of Shravana. It is celebrated on the day when the full moon appears, in Sanskrit and Hindi, we call it Purnima. As the full moon day of Shravana, it will be known as Sawan Purnima.
The literal meaning of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ is ‘protecting a bond’. This festival is observed by Indians all over the world. People from any country, religion or belief can celebrate it. Because the festival has no religious connotation as it simply honours the bond of siblings.
This festival is one of the most celebrated and enjoyed occasions in India. One of the siblings ties a thread that is considered sacred in the Indian culture, on the wrist of the other sibling. This sacred thread is known as ‘rakhi’. Traditionally, it is tied to the wrist of the right hand of brothers. By tying the thread, sisters pray for the well being and success of their brother. Meanwhile, the brother looks forward to helping his sister in need and protect her. Sisters also get gifts from their brothers.
Why Do We Celebrate Raksha Bandhan?
Let’s take a look at what inspired the celebration of Raksha Bandhan.
The historical significance of Raksha Bandhan can be traced back to Hindu mythology. The popular Mahabharat epic has documented the bond of Pandavas’ wife Draupadi and Lord Krishna. The great Indian epic has King Drupad’s daughter Draupadi in the centre of it.
In an instance, where the incarnation of Vishnu, Lord Krishna injures his finger. It started bleeding, then quite promptly Draupadi tears a piece of her saree which she was wearing at that moment and tied it around Krishna’s injured finger. Krishna is believed to have sustained the injury after the Rajsuya Yagya organised by Pandavas, because of the use of Sudarshan Chakra. Krishna had punished Shishupala, son of Damaghosha, for his sins. Thus, he punished Shishupala by beheading him with his divine ‘Sudarshan Chakra’.
Looking at Draupadi’s selfless act, Lord Krishna was moved by her gesture. He promised to protect her when the time comes. Draupadi has been shown as a Krishna bhakt (devotee of Lord Krishna), she asked for Krishna’s eternal presence in her life. Krishna fulfilled his promise when Draupadi’s husbands failed to protect her while her honour was being compromised at the hands of the Kaurava brothers.
In a court having courtiers in full capacity, Pandavas gambled off their wife Draupadi to their cousin brothers. The Kaurava brother, Dushasana dragged her to the court and began pulling her saree. However, Draupadi started chanting Lord Krishna’s name, asking for his help. Krishna answered it, as the saree’s length became infinite, ensuring her honour remains intact.
Another tale that we frequently hear in Indian history is of the Mughal emperor Humayun and Rani Karnavati of Chittor. During the attack of Bahadur Shah in Chittor, Rani Karnavati who was a widow then sought help from the Mughal ruler Humayun. She sent a rakhi along with a letter seeking Humayun’s help. Humayun helped her in return thus honouring the sentiment of rakhi.
Raksha Bandhan 2021: Know The Shubh Muhurat
Rakhi tying ceremony auspicious time – 06:15 AM to 05:31 PM, August 22, 2021
Aparahna Time (in afternoon) rakhi muhurat- 01:42 PM to 04:18 PM, August 22, 2021
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra End Time – 06:15 AM
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Punchha – 02:19 AM to 03:27 AM
Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Mukha – 03:27 AM to 05:19 AM
Beginning of Purnima Tithi- 07:00 PM on August 21, 2021
One can tie rakhi from 06:15 AM to 05:31 PM on Sunday, August 22, 2021. However, the Aparahna time period from 01:42 PM to 04:18 PM is considered good.
Happy Raksha Bandhan to everyone!