Raksha Bandhan, a cherished Hindu festival celebrating the bond between siblings, will be observed on Monday, August 19, 2024. This day, rooted in ancient traditions, holds great significance as it honors the enduring love and protection shared between brothers and sisters. The festival falls on the Poornima Tithi (full moon day) of Shravan Maas (Sawan month), and performing the Rakhi rituals during the shubh muhurat is considered especially auspicious.
History and Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan’s origins are steeped in legends, one of the most prominent being from the Mahabharata. The epic recounts how Draupadi, witnessing Lord Krishna’s injury, tore a piece of her saree to bandage his wound. Moved by her selfless act, Krishna vowed to protect Draupadi, a promise he fulfilled during her time of need in the royal court of Hastinapur.
Another legend ties the festival to Lord Indra and Goddess Indrani. As per this story, Goddess Indrani tied a sacred pouch, known as Raksha Potali, around Lord Indra’s wrist before he went to battle against demons. This act is believed to have granted him victory, showcasing the protective power of the sacred thread.
City-Wise Shubh Muhurat for Rakhi
To maximize the blessings of Raksha Bandhan, it is important to tie the Rakhi during the shubh muhurat. Here are the timings for major cities:
- New Delhi: 1:30 pm to 9:08 pm
- Pune: 1:30 pm to 9:14 pm
- Chennai: 1:30 pm to 8:46 pm
- Kolkata: 1:30 pm to 8:19 pm
- Hyderabad: 1:30 pm to 8:55 pm
- Ahmedabad: 1:30 pm to 9:22 pm
- Noida: 1:30 pm to 9:07 pm
- Jaipur: 1:30 pm to 9:12 pm
- Mumbai: 1:30 pm to 9:19 pm
- Gurgaon: 1:30 pm to 9:08 pm
- Bengaluru: 1:30 pm to 8:56 pm
- Chandigarh: 1:30 pm to 9:11 pm
Celebrating Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is traditionally marked by sisters tying a sacred thread, or Rakhi, on their brothers’ wrists, followed by aarti and a tilak ceremony. In return, brothers promise to protect their sisters and often give gifts as a token of their love. In recent years, the celebration has evolved, with siblings reciprocating the ritual by tying Rakhi on each other’s wrists, emphasizing mutual respect and protection.
The festival is also an occasion for families to come together, with married women often returning to their parental homes to celebrate. In the modern context, exchanging gifts has become a cherished part of Rakhi. Siblings often surprise each other with thoughtful presents or plan special activities like a movie marathon, cooking a favorite meal, or even taking a short trip together.
Raksha Bandhan 2024 promises to be a day of joy and bonding, filled with traditions that honor the deep connections between siblings. Whether through traditional rituals or modern expressions of love, this festival continues to be a time for strengthening the bonds of family and celebrating the timeless values of love and protection.