Raksha Bandhan is one of the most favourite festivals of India and represents the brilliant relation between brothers and sisters. This festival is indeed one of the most anticipated and happens to be celebrated with a lot of joy and energy throughout the country regardless of the region, and custom that one practices. Despite the fact that the main idea of the festival remains the same – the appreciation of the brother-sister relationship where the elder sibling is the protector. Raksha Bandhan Celebrations and traditions are different across different areas. We will also look at geographical differences across India and the significance of the event. Also, ultimately we will find out when Raksha Bandhan 2024 will be celebrated.
Also read: Rain-Kissed Escapes: Top Indian Destinations for Monsoon Lovers
Why Is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated?
Raksha Bandhan which means ‘the bond of protection’ is a festival celebrated in India and Nepal. Raksha Bandhan Celebrations is dedicated to the brother-sister bond. Mourning is unusual, although normally on this day a sister threads a piece of cloth, or any kind of ornament called Rakhi around the brother’s wrist to symbolically imply her love and prayers for his well-being. In the turn the brother promised to defend her during the whole his life from all the unwanted things.
There are several historical and mythological stories associated with the celebration of the festival. The story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi is one of the most discussed among them: once, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, accidentally tore her saree to bandage the bleeding finger of Krishna. It is said that once during her time of need, she offered some food to Krishna, who was very much moved by this act and vowed to protect her whenever she wanted; he did so. It has been a tradition that this story gives the meaning to Raksha Bandhan as the festival of protection and care.
How Is Raksha Bandhan Celebrated in India?
North India:
Raksha Bandhan is very enthusiastically celebrated in the northern regions of India. Specifically in the states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. The day begins with sisters preparing a thali (a decorated plate) containing a rakhi, sweets, diya (lamp), and roli (vermilion). The sister places the rakhi on her brother’s wrist and puts tilak on his forehead besides feeding him sweets. The brother, in turn, presents her with a gift and pledges to defend her from whatever comes her way. This day is celebrated with families and they hold feasts. They carry out different activities with their families usually in the evening.
Also read: Celebrate the Spirit of Freedom: Historic Landmarks to Visit on Independence Day
West India:
For people in western India, particularly Gujarat and Maharashtra, Raksha Bandhan has even more importance. Apart from focusing on the relation between the two siblings, it also falls in the Narali Purnima popular among the fisher folks. On this day, fishermen take coconuts to the sea to present them to the Sea God. It is to be shielded from dangers from the sea. Besides, the day is famous for the bright and colorful rakhis sisters put around the wrist of the brothers in Maharashtra.
East India:
Though Raksha Bandhan is widely celebrated across India, in the eastern part of the country namely Bengal and Odisha, it is celebrated as Jhulan Purnima which is solely associated with Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. Lovers decorate swings and install images of Radha-Krishna and dance that symbolizes the eternal love tale of the two deities. Although, it has a mere resemblance with the tradition of brother-sister relationship, the religious spirit tops the celebration. Another potential reason for people in West Bengal celebrating Raksha Bandhan is because of Rabindranath Tagore. Because he clarified that Raksha Bandhan is a union of people and does not distinguish between the Hindus and the Muslims due to the events of partition of Bengal.
South India:
However, in South India the Raksha Bandhan is known by the name Avani Avittam. It is specifically among the Tamil and Telugu communities belonging to the Brahmin Caste. This day is followed by the new academic session for the Veda students and the Boys of the Veda community also change their Yajnopavita. After the Yajnopavita ceremony, sisters put rakhis on their brothers’ wrists to symbolize the added bond of safety and affection.
When Is Raksha Bandhan 2024?
Festival is on ‘Raksha Bandhan’ came fourth day of the month of Shravan as per Hindu calender which is also called Shravan Purnima. In 2024, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 19, and the day is going to be a Monday. On this particularly bright day, brothers and sisters from morning till evening will carry out the rituals. They will give gifts, and will make new vows of love and protection.
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan is not merely a tradition but a festivity of sibling companion, a union. Raksha Bandhan Celebrations is valued by the Indian society at large. This is the beauty of Raksha Bandhan festival celebrated all over the length and breadth of India. From the northern plains to the southern coasts, eastern hills to the western deserts. People celebrate Raksha Bandhan with love, care and concern. Whether offered through the symbolic gesture of the rakhi or coconuts to the sea, the festival symbolizes the unity and families making it one of the most cherished times in the Indian calendar.