India
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Raksha
Bandhan
is
a
festival
celebrated
in
India
and
other
parts
of
South
Asia
to
celebrate
the
bond
between
brothers
and
sisters.
This
festival
takes
place
on
the
Poornima
Tithi
(full
moon
day)
of
Shravan
Maas
(Sawan
month),
a
time
that
holds
deep
cultural
and
emotional
significance.
The
festival
brings
siblings
together
to
partake
in
various
rituals
that
affirm
their
affection
and
protection
for
each
other.
Traditionally,
sisters
tie
a
Rakhi
on
their
brother’s
hands,
place
a
tilak
on
their
foreheads,
and
offer
prayers
for
their
well-being
and
longevity.
In
return,
brothers
pledge
to
safeguard,
adore,
and
spoil
their
sisters
with
cherished
gifts.
In
contemporary
times,
the
roles
have
expanded,
with
brothers
also
tying
Rakhis
to
their
sisters
and
sisters
exchanging
Rakhis
amongst
themselves.

For
those
celebrating
Raksha
Bandhan
in
2023,
the
dates
to
mark
on
the
calendar
are
August
30
and
31.
This
slight
variation
is
due
to
Bhadra
Kaal,
a
period
during
which
certain
rituals
should
be
avoided.
The
Bhadra
Kaal
ends
at
9:01
pm
on
August
30,
signaling
the
ideal
time
for
performing
the
rituals.
Throughout
these
dates,
the
auspicious
times
for
Raksha
Bandhan
activities
are
closely
observed.
The
historical
and
cultural
significance
of
Raksha
Bandhan
is
deeply
rooted
in
Hindu
traditions.
One
of
the
most
renowned
legends
comes
from
the
epic
Mahabharata,
where
Draupadi’s
selfless
act
of
using
her
saree
to
bind
Lord
Krishna’s
finger
after
he
hurt
himself
on
the
Sudarshan
Chakra
symbolizes
the
bond
of
protection
and
care
between
siblings.
This
act
of
Draupadi
tied
them
together
forever,
as
Krishna
vowed
to
shield
her
from
harm.
‘Raksha
Bandhan’
Letter
From
Sister
To
Brother
&
Vice
Versa
To
Express
Love
On
Rakhi
Festival
[Check
Samples]
The
festival
holds
more
than
just
a
ritualistic
importance-it
symbolizes
the
enduring
bond
between
brothers
and
sisters.
Raksha
Bandhan
also
provides
an
opportunity
for
married
women
to
revisit
their
parental
homes,
reaffirming
connections
and
creating
new
memories.
The
celebrations
of
Raksha
Bandhan
are
a
grand
affair
across
the
nation.
The
day
starts
with
sisters
performing
aarti
for
their
brothers,
applying
tilak
on
their
foreheads,
tying
the
sacred
Rakhi,
and
exchanging
sweets
and
gifts.
In
response,
brothers
promise
their
unwavering
protection
and
support.
In
today’s
world,
Rakhis
are
often
chosen
not
only
for
their
traditional
charm
but
also
to
reflect
the
special
connection
shared
by
siblings.
As
the
date
approaches,
families
eagerly
anticipate
the
festivities,
knowing
that
Raksha
Bandhan
is
not
just
about
the
physical
thread
but
also
the
thread
of
love,
care,
and
togetherness
that
binds
siblings
in
an
unbreakable
bond.
Story first published: Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 16:13 [IST]

























