This year, it will be celebrated on Monday, August 19.
Raksha Bandhan symbolises the protective bond between siblings.
Raksha Bandhan, a popular festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, is observed on the full moon day – Purnima – in the Hindu month of Shravana. This year, it will be celebrated on Monday, August 19.
Pandit Kamlesh Vyas from Bhilwara Nagar said this time, the festival falls on Shravan Purnima. Due to the shadow of Bhadra, according to astrology and religious scriptures, the auspicious time for tying Rakhi is said to be afternoon. Many people believe that it is best if the Raksha Bandhan festival is celebrated 45 minutes before and 45 minutes after sunset to avoid the Pradosh Kaal. It is appropriate to celebrate Raksha Bandhan festival after 2:10 pm and time till 7 pm is the best.
Pandit Kamlesh Vyas said if there is Bhadra on a particular day, then the necessary work can be done afternoon. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the afternoon time without Bhadra on the day of Shravan Shukla Purnima.
He also said that based on astrology and religious texts, Rakshabandhan and Holika Dahan are not performed in Bhadra. If Bhadra is there on the day of the festival, then the parihay set of Bhadra is written in the auspicious texts of astrology. Examples include Muhurta Chinamani, Muhurta Martand, Sheegra Bodh, Balbodh Muhurta Kalpadam etc. If Bhadra resides in heaven and hell, if Bhadra is there during the inauspicious period, if Bhadra is thereafter half of the day, if the tail period of Bhadra is in these four conditions, then no dosha is considered.
Raksha Bandhan symbolises the protective bond between siblings. Sisters tie a rakhi (sacred thread) around their brothers’ wrists as a sign of love and protection. In return, brothers pledge to protect their sisters and often give them gifts or money. The festival strengthens family bonds and celebrates the spirit of togetherness and commitment.
Raksha Bandhan Rituals
Preparation of the Pooja Thali: Prepare a simple pooja thali with essential items like an oil lamp (diya), vermilion powder (roli), rice grains, sweets and rakhi.
Aarti Ceremony:
Begin the ritual with an aarti where the sister waves the lamp in a circular motion in front of her brother.
Tilak Application:
Apply a tilak made of roli on the brother’s forehead as a symbol of bliss.
Tying of the Rakhi:
Gently tie the rakhi around the brother’s wrist accompanied by sincere prayers for his success and well-being.
Exchange of Gifts:
In return, the brother presents gifts to his sister, showing his affection and commitment to protect her.
Celebration and Bonding:
The ritual creates a sacred atmosphere that strengthens the bond between the siblings and highlights Raksha Bandhan as a festival of love and protection.