Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of protection and love between brothers and sisters. It is also known as Rakhi, Saluno, Silono, or Rakri. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravana, which usually falls in August. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread or bracelet called rakhi around the wrists of their brothers, and pray for their well-being and happiness. Brothers, in turn, promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. The word Raksha means protection, while Bandhan means bond.
Raksha Bandhan has a long history and many legends associated with it. Some of the most popular ones are:
- The story of Indra and his wife Sachi, who tied a thread around his wrist to protect him from the demon king Bali during a war between the gods and the demons.
- The story of Yama, the god of death, and his sister Yamuna, who tied a rakhi on his wrist and made him immortal. Yama was so pleased that he declared that whoever receives a rakhi from his sister will be blessed with long life and prosperity.
- The story of Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, who sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun to seek his help against the invasion of Bahadur Shah. Humayun was moved by her gesture and rushed to her aid with his army.
The story of Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, who tied a rakhi on the wrist of Lord Krishna to stop the bleeding from his finger. Krishna was grateful and promised to protect her from any harm. He later saved her from being dishonored by the Kauravas in the Mahabharata.
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the love and duty between siblings. It is also a symbol of harmony and unity among people of different faiths and communities. It is a day to express gratitude and affection for one’s brother or sister, and to strengthen the bond of family.
Raksha Bandhan 2023 Date and Auspicious Timing:
Raksha Bandhan 2023 falls on Wednesday, August 30th. The ideal time for tying the rakhi ranges from 10:58 AM on August 30th to 7:05 AM on August 31st, known as the rakhi Shubh Muhurat.
The Purnima (full moon) tithi begins at 10:58 AM on August 30th and concludes at 7:05 AM on August 31st. This means that the festival can be observed on either of these days. However, the primary day for celebrations is August 30th.
The rakhi Shubh Muhurat is divided into several time slots:
-Morning: 10:58 AM to 12:08 PM
-Afternoon: 01:38 PM to 03:08 PM
-Evening: 05:08 PM to 06:38 PM
– Night: 08:31 PM to 09:01 PM
Raksha Bandhan Rituals and Customs
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with much enthusiasm across India. The rituals typically start a day before with the sister buying or making a rakhi. On the morning of Rakhi, the sister takes a ritual bath, wears new clothes and then performs the aarti and applies a tilak on her brother’s forehead. She then ties the rakhi on the brother’s right wrist and prays for his well-being by lighting a diya and offering sweets. The brother vows to protect his sister under all circumstances and gifts her presents as a token of his love.
The rakhi threads come in different colors and designs, often with amulets and sweets attached. Brothers and sisters also exchange sweets, clothes and other gifts. Those separated by distance send rakhis by post well in advance for their siblings. Festive dishes like puran poli, shrikhand and other local delicacies are made at home. It is a time for family reunions, get-togethers and community celebrations.
Guidelines for Raksha Bandhan Rituals:
Select the Optimal Timing: Pay careful attention to the auspicious moment when you tie the rakhi on your brother’s wrist.
Consider the Direction: Make sure your brother isn’t facing south as you tie the rakhi; south is linked with Yama, the deity of death.
Choose Sandalwood or Roli for Tilak: Opt for sandalwood paste or roli while applying the tilak, instead of sindoor which signifies marriage.
Ensure Whole Akshat Grains: When conducting the pre-rakhi rituals, ensure that the akshat (uncooked rice) grains remain intact.
Unbroken Lamp: While performing the aarti, verify that the lamp on the thali is not damaged.
To 20 Quotes for Raksha Bandhan:
20 meaningful quotes for Raksha Bandhan that convey love, sibling bonds, and the essence of the festival:
- “A brother is a friend given by nature, a sister is a gift from the heart.” – Amit Kalantri
- “The bond between a brother and a sister is one of the strongest connections in the world, an unbreakable tie that lasts a lifetime.”
- “Rakhi is not just a thread, it’s a symbol of love and protection that binds siblings together.”
- “On this Raksha Bandhan, let’s celebrate the unbreakable bond that defines the true essence of sibling love.”
- “A sister is both your mirror – and your opposite.” – Elizabeth
- “The thread of love weaves a beautiful tapestry of memories that siblings cherish forever.”
- “A brother may not always be by your side, but he’ll always be there when you need him.”
- “In the garden of life, a brother and sister are like two blossoms on the same branch, connected by a love that’s eternally bound.”
- “Siblings: the only enemy you can’t live without, the one who knows your quirks and secrets, and still loves you unconditionally.”
- “Raksha Bandhan reminds us that love and care surpasses distance and time, strengthening the bond between siblings no matter where they are.”
- “A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.” – Marion C. Garretty
- “The beauty of Raksha Bandhan lies in its simplicity – a thread that holds a world of emotions.”
- “Brothers and sisters are like the stars in the sky – they may not always be seen, but you know they’re there.”
- “Raksha Bandhan is not just a tradition, it’s a promise of protection, love, and lifelong companionship.”
- “Through thick and thin, through highs and lows, a sibling’s love remains unwavering and pure.”
- “The bond between siblings is like a thread of strength that can never be unraveled.”
- “Rakhi is the emblem of a promise, a promise to cherish the bond between brother and sister forever.”
- “Siblings are the best kind of friends; they bring a unique blend of laughter, fights, and unconditional love.”
- “In the book of life, siblings are the most important chapter – they add color to the story.”
- “Raksha Bandhan teaches us that love transcends distance, and the thread of memories remains unbroken.”
Top 20 Raksha Bandhan 2023 wishes sms:
To 20 Raksha Bandhan wishes you can consider, along with emojis to add a touch of warmth and joy:
- 🌼 May our bond grow stronger with every passing moment. Happy Raksha Bandhan, dear sibling!
- 🕊️ On this special day, I promise to always stand by your side. Happy Rakhi!
- 🌟 Wishing you endless happiness, success, and a bond that’s unbreakable. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
- 🎈 As we celebrate this beautiful bond, remember that you’re not just my sibling, but my best friend too. Happy Rakhi!
- 💖 To the one who knows me inside out, here’s to a lifetime of shared laughter and cherished memories. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
- 🌸 May our bond be as colorful and enduring as the thread that ties us together. Happy Rakhi!
- 🌈 Sending you loads of love, hugs, and blessings on this Raksha Bandhan. You mean the world to me!
- 🌻 Even though distances separate us, our bond remains as strong as ever. Happy Rakhi, and here’s to our unbreakable connection!
- 🎉 May this Raksha Bandhan bring joy, prosperity, and all the success you deserve. Cheers to our lifelong bond!
- 🌺 With every thread tied, our love grows deeper. Happy Rakhi to the one who’s my confidant and partner-in-crime!
- 🌠 Here’s to the sibling who has brought endless light into my life. Happy Raksha Bandhan and a world of happiness to you!
- 🌞 May the thread of love that we share be forever blessed with happiness, health, and prosperity. Happy Rakhi!
- 💫 To my pillar of strength, my constant support—wishing you a Raksha Bandhan filled with love and laughter!
- 🎁 On this special occasion, I send you my warmest wishes and a promise to protect and care for you always. Happy Rakhi!
- 🌼 May your dreams take flight and your aspirations come true. Happy Raksha Bandhan to my amazing sibling!
- 🌟 Through thick and thin, we’ve stood by each other. Here’s to a bond that’s unbreakable and a love that’s unwavering. Happy Rakhi!
- 🌸 Your happiness is my priority, today and every day. Happy Raksha Bandhan, my dear sibling!
- 🌈 As we celebrate this beautiful day, know that I’m grateful to have you as my sibling. Happy Rakhi!
- 🎉 May the thread of Rakhi remind you that you’re loved, cherished, and always in my thoughts. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
- 🌺 Here’s to a day of love, laughter, and making wonderful memories. Happy Rakhi to the one who makes my world brighter!