Rakhi 2024 will be observed on Monday, August 19th. This festival, also known as Rakhi Purnima, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan. It’s a day when sisters tie a sacred thread, called rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing their bond, and brothers promise to protect their sisters. Raksha Bandhan signifies love, brotherhood, and protection.
According to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan falls on the full moon day of the month of Shravan, also known as Shravana Purnima. Since ancient times, Shravan has been considered a sacred month for celebrating festivals like Rakhi. Being a festival of the rainy season, it celebrates the bond between siblings and all those who care for each other.
Rakhi 2024 Date and Time:
The auspicious time, or Shubh Muhurat, to celebrate Raksha Bandhan in 2024 is from 1:30 PM on August 19th to 8:56 PM. The festival falls on Monday, August 19th.
According to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan. This year, due to the additional month (Adhikmas) in the calendar, we have to wait longer to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, extending the month of Shravan to 59 days.
Rakhi Dates for the Next Five Years:
2024: August 19th, Monday
2025: August 9th, Saturday
2026: August 28th, Friday
2027: August 17th, Tuesday
Significance of Rakhi 2024:
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in India with great joy and enthusiasm, a day for brothers and sisters to reaffirm their bond of love and affection. Falling on the full moon day in the month of Shravan (July-August) according to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan 2024 occurs on August 19th (Monday) in the Gregorian calendar this year.
If siblings are apart, they come together, putting aside pending work for the next day. The festival celebrates the bond of love and protection between siblings and anyone who cares deeply for each other. It’s a day to pray for protection against all evils by tying a sacred thread, symbolizing profound significance.
Preparations for this day begin days in advance. Sisters search for the best Rakhi gift ideas for their brothers and shop for outfits. Some even apply mehendi on their hands. Brothers also search for the perfect Rakhi gifts as the festival approaches.
The tradition of tying a Rakhi has been passed down through history. A sister decorates a Rakhi thali with a diya, sweets, kumkum, and a beautiful Rakhi. The rituals follow the Muhurat, an auspicious time according to the Indian calendar. The brother sits while the sister lights the diya, performs aarti, applies kumkum tikka, and ties the Rakhi on his wrist. They then share sweets and gifts.
However, this day isn’t just for siblings. It’s for anyone who deeply loves and cares for each other. It’s a celebration for all, emphasizing that blood relations aren’t necessarily essential.
Origin of Raksha Bandhan:
The festival’s origin is intertwined with various mythological and historical stories. One popular story involves King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. Mahabali, a demon king and devotee of Lord Vishnu, received protection from Lord Vishnu, leaving his dwelling place in Vikundam. Goddess Lakshmi, feeling separated from her husband, sought refuge with King Bali, disguised as a Brahmin woman. She tied a Rakhi on King Bali’s wrist on Shravana Purnima, revealing her identity later. Touched by her and Lord Vishnu’s goodwill, King Bali granted her wish, establishing the custom of sisters tying Rakhis to brothers on Rakhi Purnima.
Pooja Vidhi for Rakhi 2024:
Wake up early and bathe.
Wear fresh clothes.
Prepare the Rakhi securely on your wrist.
Sit in front of the idol of Lord Vishnu or Krishna.
Light a ghee lamp and offer incense sticks to the idol.
Chant the mantra: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Om Namo Narayanaya.
History of Raksha Bandhan – Festival to Strengthen the Bonds of Love and Care:
Raksha Bandhan is enriched with mythological and historical tales. One such story involves Krishna and Draupadi, where Draupadi tied a piece of her saree to Lord Krishna’s finger to stop it from bleeding, and Lord Krishna promised to protect her. Another tale from the Mahabharata involves queen Kunti tying a simple thread called Rakhi to Abhimanyu and Arjun for their protection during battle. The story of Indra and Indrani illustrates that Raksha Bandhan isn’t limited to siblings but extends to anyone deeply concerned about each other’s well-being. It’s a festival that reinforces love and care between individuals.
Happy RakshaBandhan !