Monday, August 11, 2014

significance of rakshabandhan

Raksha Bandhan                                                                                                                     

is a Hindu festival which falls in the month ofShravan every year. This festival stands for the bond of love between brother and sister. On this day sister ties traditional and auspicious thread decorated with beads called Rakhi on brother's hand as good omen. And brother promises to protect his sister from every evil and brings gifts for her on this day.Narali Poornima also falls on this day. Read on to know more.


Raksha Bandhan is a festival in which sisters tie Rakhi on the wrist of their brothers with love and affection. This is a sacred thread that indicates that sisters pray and wish that their brothers are protected from all problems and brothers take the oath of protecting their sisters from any trouble in life. This is a festival of love and trust and is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Sravana, which falls in July or August.


Tradition and Rituals

Traditionally this festival is meant to make the bond of love, affection and trust between brothers and sisters stronger. Sisters pray for long and healthy life of their brothers on this day and though Rakhi is just a thread tied on the wrist of the brother, it is considered stronger than even iron chains. Brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to take care of them throughout their life. This tradition is being carried out in India since time immemorial.

The tradition and name varies from state to state but the meaning and significance remain the same. There are various stories attached to this festival and this is a great time when family members come together. Today, in this hectic schedule if brotherstake out some time and visit their sisters for this special day, it will be a great feeling and gift for sisters. Just meeting each other would bring them together and fill out the gap that usually comes with age and responsibilities.

It is not that only real brothers and sisters or cousins tie the Rakhi, people invite their neighbours and other relatives too on this occasion. There are social and cultural programs organized on this day and both men and women celebrate this day with same vigour and enthusiasm. It works great in social bonding and is also considered as a friendly knot.