Rakhi is a special occasion celebrating the strong bond between brothers and sisters. India and Nepal have been celebrating the occasion for a long time. However, by realizing the significance and importance of the event, people across the world come forward to celebrate the event in August each year. This article revives the vibes of bonding among siblings by identifying the historical significance, contemporary practices, and societal norms for celebrating the auspicious event each year.

What is Rakhi?

Rakhi is celebrated on the full moon day of Shawan month. According to the English calendar, the date falls around the 16th to 20th of August each year. On this day, sisters tie a thread on the hands of their brothers. She prepares a plate with rakhi, diya, sweets, rice, and bangle to do aarti of her brother and tie the rakhi on his right wrist.

On this occasion, the brothers vow to protect their sisters from any hardship with care and love. Exchanging gifts plays a crucial role in strengthening the bonding and making the event memorable. Once the sister ties the rakhi, the brother bestows blessings and offers gifts to convey love and care.

Celebration of Rakhi as Per Hindu Mythology

Celebrating rakhi was revered as an auspicious occasion even in Hindu mythology. The Mahabharata and Lakhshmi puran indicate certain events which reflect the norms of celebrating rakhi respecting the revered bond of friendship and protection. 

Lord Krishna and Draupadi

When Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on Lord Krishna’s finger to stop bleeding due to the injury caused during the war, Lord Krishna promised to protect her in return. Many scholars believe this event represents the beginning of the celebration of rakhi.

Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali

There is another popular mythological event that observes the celebration of rakhi. King Bali asked Lord Vishnu to stay in his home after being defeated in three worlds. Lord Vishnu agreed to stay at Bali’s home with Goddess Laxmi. However, Goddess Laxhmi was unhappy with the arrangements. She asked Lord Vishnu to return home. She tied a thread on Bali’s wrist as an assurance of protection after revealing her true identity and asked to release Lord Vishnu. Bali being overwhelmed granted her wish. Hindu mythology marks the incident with reverence as the commencement of the ritual of rakhi.

How Do Modern Indians Celebrate Rakhi?

The tradition of tying rakhi on a brother’s wrist by her sister has welcomed many changes in the recent past. That is why, modern Indian women celebrate the auspicious Raksha Bandhan event by tying rakhi on sisters and friends also.

In many Indian cultures, it has become a revered practice to tie rakhi on the hands of social workers, soldiers, and polices to acknowledge their contribution to society to protect people, especially women and children.

What is the Cultural Significance of Sibling Bonds in India?

The bonding between sisters and brothers is considered an inseparable connection that continues from past lives. Rakhi is an auspicious occasion to celebrate bonding with utmost love, care, and attention.

This occasion often acts as an opportunity to revive the bonding between siblings who live in different countries or cities. The norms of exchanging gifts and blessings are ingrained in Indian culture for celebrating the auspicious occasion. Young members of the society find rakhi a joyous event to unpack gifts and surprises from sisters, brothers, and friends. Even in workplaces, the tradition of tying rakhi to colleagues is so vibrant, that planning for celebration starts even before August.

Conclusion

India celebrates the bonding among sisters, brothers, friends, and acquaintances through the event of rakhi. A small single thread becomes so meaningful to our special ones that they wear it for the whole day or week before keeping the thread safe in a place to cherish the bonding always. Gifting becomes a part of celebrations as brothers, sisters, and friends cherish the bonds through the creatively designed piece of thread. This innocence is the heart of Indian culture where bonding is celebrated with unmatched values and respect.