What is Raksha Bandhan?

Raksha Bandhan 2024: What's the Calender Says?

What is the Ideology Behind Rakhi Festival

Many stories in Indian history disclose about this festival, and each has an identical moral but contrasting contexts. Here are some of the renowned stories behind celebration this incredible occasion.

Alexander The Great and King Puru

One of the popular stories of Raksha Bandhan goes back to 300 B.C. at the time when Alexander invaded India. It is believed that King Alexander of Macedonia was shaken up by the rage of Indian king Puru. When Alexander’s wife came to know about this at that time, she was disheartened. But, she was aware of the Rakhi festival, and hence she approached king Puru with the hope that everything would be better at the end. Tender-hearted Puru accepted her as his sister, and when the war came, Puru refrained from Alexander. This story portrays that brothers always support their sisters no matter whether they experience a lot of failures. This is the beauty of brother-sister relation.

Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun

One of the popular stories that define the meaning of a brother-sister relationship is that of Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun. After the death of Rana Sanga, Rani Karnavati ascended the throne of Mewar. On the name of her elder son Vikramjeet, she was handling everything perfectly. But, it was that time when kings defeat each other to rule over a particular dynasty. There was one Mughal emperor named Bahadur Shah. He attacked Mewar for the second time. The beginning was jittery, but finally, the nobles agreed to fight against the Shah. Meanwhile, Rani Karnavati also wrote a letter to Humayun and requested for help. She sent Rakhi along with that letter. Though Humayun had taken birth in the Muslim religion, still, he respected the emotions of Hindu queen. Mughal emperor Humayun received the letter and Rakhi in the middle of the military campaign. He discontinued the campaign and turned towards Mewar to help her unbiological sister. Sadly, the situation turned into disastrous because Humayun was unable to make it on time as the Rajput army was crushed in Chittoor. To save dignity, queen set herself on fire. On the other hand, Bahadur Shah was not able to move ahead, and he turned away from Chittoor as Mughal military reinforcements arrived at the place. This is how the Mughal emperor Humayun regained the Kingdom to Karnavti’s son, Vikaramjit.

Lord Krisha and Draupadi

To save the people from the terror of evil King Shishupal, lord Krishna deteriorated Shishupal badly. Unfortunately, Lord Krishna got severe finger bleeding. On seeing it, Draupadi tore a piece of cloth from her saree and tied around the wounded area. Krishna comprehends the selfless love of Draupadi. He promised her that he would help her whenever she needs. Lately, when Pandavas lost the bet, they surrendered Draupadi to Kauravas. The situation becomes unbelievable when Kauravas started removing her saari. At that time, Lord Krishna helped her by lengthening the saari. This shows the power of Rakhi and the divine love between brother and sister.

How Is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated in India?

Raksha Bandhan is undoubtedly one of the best occasions to honor siblinghood. The celebration takes place in different ways across different parts of India. However, the essence of the celebration remains similar. Here we have enlisted how the Rakhi celebration takes place in different parts of India.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in North India

This festival is celebrated with immense zeal in north India. It’s even considered as the sacred festival amongst all. Here is how the celebration begins in north India.

• Rakhi Shopping: You can see smiling faces in the market with the onset of Shravan month. It is because the entire market is overwhelmed with different types of Rakhis and gifts. After all, it’s the month that embarks the celebration of brother-sister relation. Sisters begin to purchase Rakhi for their beloved brother before Raksha Bandhan. The selfless love of sister can be seen when she excitedly buys beautiful Rakhis and gifts without expecting anything in return. Nowadays, there are thousands of Rakhi variations available in the market. For instance, bracelet Rakhi, Rudraksha Rakhi, Pearl Rakhi, and many more. You can also discover a variation in gifts also.

• Rituals: On Raksha Bandhan, the entire family get-together to bless the siblings. Brother and sisters dress up in beautiful attires. Afterward, sisters put Roli Chawal on the forehead of their brothers. Further, she ties Rakhi(amulet) on the wrist of her brother and prays for the long life and well being. Apart from these rituals, there is one such ritual which is quite loving and caring. Sisters offer delicious sweets to their brother as a token of love.

• Gift Exchanging Ceremony: Gift Exchanging Ceremony: Brothers in return reciprocate their love and care to their sisters by presenting soul-stirring gifts along with money envelope. This shows the selfless love of brother towards his sister. Not only brothers, but sisters also delight their brothers with amazing gifts. There are numerous types of Rakhi gifts available for siblings. One can also discover varieties of gifts available at online gift portals.

• Special Raksha Bandhan Ceremony for Bhabhi(Sister-in-law): Special Raksha Bandhan Ceremony for Bhabhi(Sister-in-law): There is one such ritual that describes the beautiful bonding of a girl with her bhabhi(Sister-in-law). On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, apart from tying Rakhi to brother, girls also adorn the wrist of their sister-in-law with Lumba Rakhi also known as Bhabhi Rakhi. The ritual is performed by keeping in mind that the wives are the other half of their husbands. Hence, no ritual is complete without her presence. That’s why sisters buy Bhaiya Bhabhi Rakhi for the sweet couple.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in East India

It’s because of different languages, rituals, and cultures, occasions are celebrated in another form. In West Bengal and Odisha, this occasion is popular with the name Jhulan Purnima. People celebrate Jhulan Purnima by worshipping Lord Krishna and Radha. Apart from this, sisters also tie a beautiful thread called Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers and pray for their well-being. The happiness prevalent in the atmosphere is hard to explain. All you can feel this happiness just by looking at the faces of people around you.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in West India

In the western part of India, the occasion is celebrated as Pavitropana. On this day, women worship Lord Shiva. They visit temples and pour water over the Shivling. Further, they pray to God to forgive them whatever they have done in the past. It is the festival of faith among the people of Gujrat and western part of India.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in South India

In Maharashtra and other coastal areas, the occasion of Rakha Bandhan is celebrated uniquely. You will feel quite surprised once you get to know about the rituals followed by the people of these areas. Here, people worship the sea and the fishermen group toss coconuts into the sea as an offering. The whole environment is equipped with happiness. Several coconut-based dishes are also prepared in order to rejoice the glory of the occasion. The celebration also gives the chance to amuse near and dear ones. It allows spending some quality time with special ones. When talking about southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc., the occasion is known as Avani Avittam. On the full moon night of Shravan month, Brahmins take a bath in the water and pray to God to forgive them from all the past sins. Further, the sacred thread called “Janau” is replaced with the new one. During performing the ritual of changing Janau, Brahmins also take a resolution to proceed with their life by committing good deeds. Not only this, but the great philosophers also suggest to read “Yajur Veda” which lasts for six months.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration in Central India

Isn’t it amazing to see overall India filled with celebration vibes? Indeed yes. Apart from other regions of India, the celebration took place in central India with the same spirit. The festival is known as “Kajari Purnima.” The occasion is prominent for the farmers and mothers. It’s because, on this day, farmers worship their motherland. However, mothers commence specific pooja with their sons. The rituals begin seven days before the actual occasion.

Gift Guide for Raksha Bandhan 2024

Raksha Bandhan is the day siblings compelled to confess their love for each other. It is like reviving the golden memories that have made childhood incredible. It seems the day when you are meeting your coolest enemy, confidently looking them in the eye and expressing your affection. Love and ignorance move hand in hand, but on Raksha Bandhan, love and care snatch the front seat. To honor such a wonderful relation, you must delight your siblings. Here we have compiled a gift guide for Raksha Bandhan 2024.

• Chocolates & Sweets
  You can tickle the taste buds of your sibling this Rakhi festival by gifting chocolates and sweets. Chocolates together with sweets, enable to infuse sweetness in the relationship. Hence, you can delight your brother or sister with a wonderful box of chocolate and sweet. Some of the most demanded chocolates during Raksha Bandhan celebration are dairy milk silk, 5-star, KitKat, munch, and perk. Similarly, the most loved sweets are Kaju Katli, Barfi, Laddoo, and milk cake.

• Photo Mug
  When seeking ahead into the upcoming occasions, there are numerous trends in gifting. Among all, personalized gifts are considered to be the best way to leave a long-lasting impression on the heart of the recipient. Hence, you can leave your sibling spellbound by presenting a photo mug this Rakhi festival

• Grooming Kit
  Gifts that can be used daily are considered to be the best one. It’s because they remind the receiver about the sender’s love and concern. So, present a grooming kit to your brother and let him feel your care always. Presenting a gift is the best way to convey Happy Raksha Bandhan to your sibling.

• Plants
  Plants not only infuse positive vibes in the environment but also bring luck and prosperity to the home wherever they are kept. So, if you are looking for a gift that can bring good luck in your sibling’s life, then it’s good to gift plant. Because where the plant grows, happiness increases!

• Perfumes
  As per Hindu mythology, putting perfumes before leaving home for a job or any other work is considered to be a good sign. You can present perfumes to your sibling as a token of your love, care, wishes, and blessings. Different perfumes are available in the market, or you can also visit our online store to buy the best perfume for your sibling.

Raksha Bandhan 2024: Latest Quotes, Messages and Wishes

There are the times when you are away from your brother or sister. But, it doesn’t mean that you will spoil the charm of Raksha Bandhan. Here are the latest Raksha Bandhan wishes for Brother as well as sister. Take a look at these quotes, messages, and wishes that will convey your emotions to your sibling in the best way.

• No matter how miles away we are, this day always reminds about our childhood days when we tease each other.

• To have a naughty brother is just like having a perfect crime partner. Happy Raksha Bandhan.

• Dear sister, I have irritated you many times, but believe me, you are just another version of mom. Thank you for your love and care. Happy Rakhi!

• There is no irritator like you, bro. Happy Raksha Bandhan.

• The best thing about having a young brother is that I always have a friend

• My sister is the angle that God has sent to help me out in every situation. Thank you, sis, for being part of my life. Happy Raksha Bandhan.

Recommended Latest Reads From Our Blog

• Trending Rakhi Wishes And Quotes On Social Media
• What to Do with Rakhi After Raksha Bandhan
• Amazing Rakhi History and Beautiful Sets
• Thoughtful Rakhi Return Gifts For Sister
• Tips for Choosing Rakhi Gifts for Your Brother