Why We Celebrate Raksha Bandhan: The festival of Raksha Bandhan, celebrated on the full moon of Sawan, is an important festival of Indian culture that reflects the bond of love and trust between brother and sister. Raksha Bandhan literally means the bond of protection in which the sister ties a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist in return for which the brother promises to protect his sister. This festival not only strengthens mutual love but also increases social unity and trust. Today, we will know Why We Celebrate Raksha Bandhan and how to worship on this day, and what mythological stories are associated with it.
Why is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
The importance of Raksha Bandhan is deeply rooted in Indian culture. This festival reflects the sanctity of the brother-sister relationship. The thread of Rakhi is not ordinary but a symbol of love, trust, and responsibility. By tying a Rakhi, the sister asks the brother to promise her protection, while the brother accepts this bond and promises the safety and respect of the sister. This festival promotes unity and harmony in the family.
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The significance of Raksha Bandhan is not limited to only siblings. It also signifies social and cultural unity. In olden times, Rakhi was tied between kings, students, Gurus, and friends, which was a symbol of mutual trust and cooperation. As a historical example, Queen Karnavati sent a Rakhi to Humayun and asked for his help, which Humayun accepted.
In today’s time, the form of Raksha Bandhan has changed, and this festival is not limited to only traditional customs; it has become an occasion when family members come together and strengthen their relationships by exchanging gifts. This festival also serves to connect the new generation to their culture and roots.
Raksha Bandhan Puja Vidhi
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated according to religious and traditional customs and the puja performed on this day is completed in different stages (Raksha Bandhan Puja Vidhi)-
Preparation– Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, wear clean clothes, clean the house, and decorate the place of worship. Prepare the puja thali, which includes Rakhi, Roli, sandalwood, Akshat, lamp, sweets, and flowers. After that place a chowki and spread a clean cloth on it. Place the idol or picture of Lord Ganesha and other deities on the chowki.
Start of the puja– First of all, worship Ganesha, light a lamp, and apply a tilak to Ganesha and offer flowers and sweets. After this worship other deities.
Method of tying Rakhi– The Sister should call her brother to the place of worship. Make the brother sit facing east or north and apply a tilak of roli and sandalwood on his forehead. After that sprinkle rice and perform aarti. Now tie a rakhi on his wrist and feed him sweets. While tying rakhi, sisters can chant this mantra-
“Yen baddho bali raja danavendrao mahabalah.
Tentvamaapi badhnaami rakshe maachal maachal.”
This mantra means that I tie you with the same thread with which the Mahabali king Bali was tied. O protector, you stay steady and protect me.
Presents and promises – After the rakhi is tied, the brother offers gifts to his sister and vows to safeguard her always. The sister wishes for a long and happy life for the brother. Sweets and special food further increase the joy of this festival.
Mythological stories of Rakshabandhan
There are many mythological stories associated with Rakshabandhan (Raksha Bandhan story) which deepen the importance of this festival. We are sharing some of these stories with you-
The story of Draupadi and Shri Krishna– According to the Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna killed Shishupal with his Sudarshan Chakra, his finger got hurt. Seeing blood flowing from his finger, Draupadi immediately tore a piece from her sari and tied it on Lord Krishna’s finger. In return for Draupadi’s love and trust, Lord Krishna vowed to always protect her. Later, when the Kauravas tried to disrobe Draupadi and insult her, Krishna protected her and kept his promise. This story shows the love and dedication of Rakshabandhan.
The story of King Bali and Mother Lakshmi– Apart from this, another mythological raksha bandhan story is also popular, according to which when Lord Vishnu in the Vamana avatar asked for three feet of earth from King Bali and took all his kingdom. Also, he was pleased with Bali’s sacrifice and asked him to ask for a boon, then Bali asked him for the boon of residing in the netherworld. Which God accepted. Then Goddess Lakshmi tied a Rakhi to King Bali and requested him to release Lord Vishnu from his promise. King Bali freed Lord Vishnu, respecting the words of Mother Lakshmi.
The story of Yam and Yamuna– According to another mythological story, the relationship of Yamraj and his sister Yamuna is also considered the basis of Rakshabandhan. Yamuna tied a Rakhi to her brother Yamraj and took a vow from him to always safeguard her. Yamraj gave the boon of immortality to Yamuna and said that any brother who gets a Rakhi tied by his sister will get a long life and happiness.
Conclusion
In this way, through this article, we learned Why We Celebrate Raksha Bandhan and also understood how to worship on this day, and learned about the mythological stories prevalent in the context of this festival. In the coming days, we will write articles on more related topics related to this festival. So stay connected with our blog.
FAQ-Why We Celebrate Raksha Bandhan
What should be said while tying Rakhi?
While tying Rakhi, sisters should chant this mantra – “Yen Baddho Bali Raja Danavendro Mahabalah. Tenatvampi Badhnami Rakshe Machal Machal.” Which means I bind you with the thread of protection with which Mahabali King Bali was tied. O protector, you remain steadfast and protect me.
