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According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious time to tie a rakhi is between 1:30 pm and 9:19 pm on August 19. (Image: Shutterstock)
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Purnima or a full moon day during the month of Sawan. This year it will be celebrated on August 19.
Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between siblings. On this auspicious occasion, sisters tie a sacred thread on their brother's wrist and pray for his prosperity and long life. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters from any danger or harm. They also give them gifts. The word “Raksha” translates to “protection,” while “Bandhan” means “bond.” According to the Hindu Panchang, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Purnima or a full moon day during the month of Sawan. Here's everything you need to know about Raksha Bandhan 2024.
Raksha Bandhan Date 2024
This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 19.
History of Raksha Bandhan
There are several Indian mythological accounts of the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The most popular one is found in the epic Mahabharata.
According to the Sanskrit epic, when Lord Krishna killed King Shishupal to protect Dharma on Earth, he suffered a wound on his finger that left it bleeding. The Pandavas' wife Draupadi tore a strip from her sari and wrapped the piece of cloth around Lord Krishna's bleeding finger. Recognizing Daruapadi's deep affection and concern for him, Lord Krishna undertook to protect Draupadi.
Years later, when the Pandavas lost a game of dice to their cousin brothers the Kauravas, the latter attempted to strip Draupadi. It was at that moment that Lord Krishna protected his sister's dignity through his divine powers, fulfilling his promise to protect her from all harm.
Meaning of Raksha Bandhan
Over the years, Raksha Bandhan has transcended religious and cultural boundaries among siblings. The festival has evolved and now celebrates human relationships and unity. It can be celebrated among cousins, friends or near and dear ones. Raksha Bandhan has become the symbol of unity and brotherhood, reminding people of the importance of shared values of love and protection.
Raksha Bandhan 2024 Shubh Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang, here is the shubh muhurat of Raksha Bandhan
- Raksha Bandhan ritual timing: 1:30 p.m. to 9:19 p.m.
- Auspicious time for Raksha Bandhan in the evening: 1:58 p.m. to 4:31 p.m.
- Purnima Tithi begins on August 19 at 3:04 am
- The full moon date ends on August 19 at 11:55 p.m.
Raksha Bandhan rituals 2024
- Bring a silver plate, traditionally called a thali.
- Puja items like Rice (Akshat), Vermilion (Kumkum), Sweets, Fruits, Curd (Dahi), Incense sticks and Lamp (Diya) should be presented in the thali.
- Perform an aarti for your brother, sing prayers and wish him well.
- Then the sisters should apply tilak on their brother's forehead and feed him a portion of sweet or dry fruits.
- Rakhi is tied to the brother's wrist and he offers them gifts.
- Sisters sometimes maintain a fast until the Rakhi ceremony is completed.
Raksha Bandhan 2024: How to Celebrate it
- Make handmade rakhisInstead of buying the thread from shops or online, why not make a unique one at home? Think of your brother's favourite motif and create one based on it. You can use sandalwood or rudraksha beads, pictures of some deity, paper flowers or cartoon stickers.
- Watch a movieBook tickets for the latest movie in theaters or the one your sibling has been wanting to see for a while. Then, treat them to a delicious culinary treat for a healthy day out with siblings.
- Plan a tripSurprise your brother by planning an impromptu trip. It can be for a few days, depending on where he is at the time, or just a day off. It will give you the opportunity to spend more time with him and break up the monotony of the daily routine.
- Give personalized itemsYou should be aware of your brother's hobbies and favorite things. Then, break away from convention and gift him a thoughtful gift of his choice. It can be a wallet, a perfume, or even his prized superhero t-shirts.
