Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the love between a brother and a sister. It is a symbolic interpretation of the purest form of love and bond between siblings. On this day sisters tie a thread on their brother’s wrist. It is a symbol of her unconditional faith in him and of her prayers for his long life. The brother in return promises to protect his sister In return, the brother promises to protect his sister from hardships throughout his life. Rakshabandhan or Rakhi is celebrated on Purnima or the full moon day of Sawan month as per the Hindu calendar. This year, it will be celebrated on August 22, 2021(Sunday).
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Purnima Tithi for Raksha Bandhan 2021 will begin at 7 PM on August 21 and end at 5:31 PM on August 22. But the auspicious time for tying the rakhi will begin at 6:15 AM on August 22 and continue till 5:31 PM the same evening.
Here is all you need to know about Raksha Bandhan Date, Muhurat & Significance:
Raksha Bandhan 2021: Date & Shubh Muhurat:
- Raksha Bandhan – 22nd August 2021, Sunday
- Shubh Muhurat for the Rakhi Tying Ceremony – 06:15 AM to 05:31 PM
- Total Duration for Rakhi Tying Ceremony – 11 Hours 16 Mins
- Aparahan Time during Raksha Bandhan 2021 – 01:39 PM to 04:07 PM
- Aparahan Duration – 02 Hours 28 Mins
- Pradosh Time during Raksha Bandhan 2021 Celebration – 07:03 PM to 09:12 PM
- Pradosh Duration – 02 Hours 09 Mins
- Start of Purnima Tithi – 07:00 PM on Aug 21, 2021
- End of Purnima Tithi – 05:31 PM on Aug 22, 2021
Raksha Bandhan 2021: Significance
It is one of the most important Hindu festivals that celebrates the beautiful relation of a brother and sister. As it is a symbol of trust and faith that a sister has in her brother. That’s the reason Raksha Bandhan carries a great significance in the hearts of all Hindus.
How Raksha Bandhan is Celebrated?
Sisters shop for sweets and rakhi. They dress up in new clothes and take a thali laden with sweets, vermilion, rakhi and Diya. The sister then performs Aarti and applies a Tika on her brother’s forehead. Next, she ties the Rakhi on his wrist and prays for his long and happy life. The brother gives his sister money and gifts. He also promises to protect her from all the hardships.
Raksha Bandhan 2021: History:
The popular story behind Rakshabandhan is when Draupadi wife of Pandavas tied a rakhi on Krishna’s wrist. This was when he injured his finger while using his Sudarshan chakra against King Shishupalal. On seeing Krishna’s hand bleeding, Draupadi tore a piece from her sari and tied it around his hand. Moved by this gesture, Krishna promised to protect her. So when the Kauravas tried to humiliate Draupadi in front of everyone by trying to tear her saree. Lord Krishna kept his promise and protected her from this embarrassment.
As per a mythological legend, On every Shravana Purnima day, goddess Yamuna used to tie a sacred thread on Yama’s (God of death) wrist. Yama was so touched by this custom that he declared, whoever got a rakhi tied from his sister would become immortal. From that day the traditional has been performed by the people.
Folklore also has it that when the widowed Empress of Chittor, Karnavati, sent a Rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun. She sought his help to protect her state against the attack of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Humayan immediately sent his army to Chittor to protect her. In this way, he honoured the Rakhi sent by Queen Karnavati.
Quotes and Wishes for Raksha Bandhan 2021:
- A brother is a friend God gave you; a friend is a brother your heart chose for you — Proverb
- “There’s no other love like the love for a brother. There’s no other love like the love from a brother.” -Astrid Alauda
- As we grew up, my brothers acted like they didn’t care, but I always knew they looked out for me and were there! — Catherine Pulsifer
- You are my best friend, my guide, my mentor and my guardian. I know that you are just a thought away and for that, I’m eternally grateful. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
- Happy Raksha Bandhan to my biggest secret-keeper and my pillar of strength. With you as my sister/ brother, I don’t need much else.
- We are miles apart from each other but are still connected as we are entrenched in each other’s hearts forever. Happy Rakhi!
- May this Raksha Bandhan bring love, light and endless happiness. You deserve it all and more.
It has been an absolute honour to call you my sibling. Happy Raksha Bandhan! - Thinking of you and all the memories we have created together on this special day. Happy Raksha Bandhan!
- No one understands me as you do. You are my strongest ally and closest companion. Happy Rakhi, dear sister/brother!
- My brother may not always be at my side but he is always in my heart. Happy Raksha Bandhan.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different parts of India:
Narali Purnima:
In the coastal region of Maharashtra, the day is celebrated as Narali Purnima. It marks the beginning of the Fishing season and the fishermen pay obeisance to Lord Indra and Varuna by offering coconut to the sea. They also pray for their protection on the high seas.
Pavitropana:
In Gujarat, people not only tie rakhis but also offer water to Lord Shiva. It is a belief that the one who does so will be forgiven for their sins.
Lumba Rakhi:
In Rajasthan sisters not only tie a rakhi to their brothers but also a rakhi called Lumba is tied to the bangle of their brother’s wife. As the wife is considered as the better half the ritual is considered incompleted until they do so.
Jhulan Purnima:
In West Bengal, the idols of Radha and Krishna are made to sit on a swing also known as Jhoola. The jhoola is decorated with flowers.
Gamha Purnima:
In Odisha, Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated as Gamha Poornima. They decorate the cows and bullocks and worship them. The dish of the day is pitha that is made from rice paste and coconut fillings.
Raksha Bandhan coincides with Gauri Pujan, which falls on Shravan Purnima. It is also an important day for the Brahmin who change their Janeyu (sacred thread). A Janeyu is a thread that is diagonally worn over the left shoulder to the right side of the torso. This Vedic ceremony is called Upakarma, and the same is known as Avani Avittam in Tamil Nadu.
Happy Raksha Bandhan To All
Also Read: Raksha Bandhan DIY: Simple and easy ways to make Rakhi at home