Rakhi 2023 is around the corner and we can wait to celebrate the day with a sibling blast. Let’s agree, we forget all the small fights with our siblings on this day because of the charm and positivity the day comes along with. While there are multiple stories behind the festival, the bottom line remains the same. Raksha Bandhan celebrates the mischievous, naughty, emotional, and selfless love between brothers and sisters. Also, the festival goes beyond biological siblings and extends to include cousins, close friends, and even neighbors, fostering a sense of unity.
As we all know, on this auspicious day, sisters tie beautifully adorned and colorful rakhis around their brothers’ wrists, praying for their well-being and symbolizing their love, and affection. In return, brothers pledge to protect their sisters throughout their lives. Besides surprising their sisters with a gift of course! However, Rakhi is more than rituals, it is a ‘Bandhan’ of deep emotions that resonate with the essence of sibling love. The occasion is all about the values, compassion, care, and togetherness in the hearts of those who celebrate it.
So, it’s time for us to gear up for Raki 2023! But before that, you might need a few below-mentioned details.
When is Rakhi in 2023?
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Hindu Shravan month. Accordingly, here are the Rakhi celebration dates.
- Rakhi 2023: August 30 & 31
- Rakhi 2022: August 11 & 12
- Rakhi 2021: August 22
- Rakhi 2020: August 3
Shubh Muhurat for tying Rakhi in 2023
As said, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the Purnima of Shravan month. In addition to this, it is also said that the Raksha Bandhan rituals should not be performed during the Bhadra period since it is considered inauspicious.
Accordingly, the best muhurat for Rakhi 2023 starts at 09:01 pm, August 30, and ends at 07:05 am, August 31.
If you are twisted about the timing, here’s a little backing up for you. According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima tithi or the shubh muhurat for tying Rakhi in 2023 begins at 10:13 am on August 30, 2023, and ends at 07:46 am on August 31, 2023. However, the Bhadrakal also begins at 10:13 am on August 30, 2023, and ends at 08:47 pm on the same day. Ultimately, the Rakhi tying ceremony should be avoided at this time.
Rakhi’s theme this year
This year’s Rakhi theme is ‘Bandhan,’ just like before. A Bandhan is any connection based on love, trust, and mutual understanding. It’s when you purely feel a pull & connection towards the other one in a way that is not explainable. In fact, the word translates to ‘Bond’ in English. Rakhi is all about the Bandhan we have in our hearts towards the one we want safe and protected in all ways.
Rakhi History and Significance
Every year, we celebrate the Rakhi festival with great zeal and enthusiasm. Although most people are unfamiliar with the reason or story behind the holy day. While there are many tales behind the occasion, the one prevails the most.
This tale goes way back to the Hindi epic Mahabharata where Lord Krishna once cut his finger after wielding the all-powerful Sudarshan Chakra. He then started beeling, causing him discomfort. Seeing him in despair, Draupadi tore a piece of cloth from her saree and tied it to his finger to stop the bleeding. Heartfelt with Draupadi’s kind gesture, Lord Krishna promised that he will protect her from all evils throughout his life. The piece of cloth then became a sacred thread which now we call Rakhi. Keeping his promise, when Kauravas tried to disrobe Draupadi in front of everyone, Krishna protects her dignity by providing an immeasurable piece of cloth to keep her covered.
As the event suggests, Raksha Bandhan is a Brother’s promise to her sister to protect her at all costs, in all situations, throughout her life. While the sister prays for his well-being and prosperity.
Rakhi celebrations in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia
In today’s world, where people are moving across seas to seek a better life, the Rakhi celebrations have also transcended borders. With a significant number of Indian communities residing across the world, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, the festival is now celebrated remotely as well. This represents the cultural diversity and unity of the Indian diaspora. Are you wondering how can you celebrate rakhi from far away? Well, online gifting portals are always there to deliver rakhi all over the world on your behalf. The festival serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring bonds between siblings. This reinforces the values of love, care, and togetherness, irrespective of geographical boundaries.
