Celebrated : Throughout the country
Also known as : Rakhi
Time : August
About Raksha Bandhan
Indian festivals are marked with endless celebrations, exchanging gifts,
festivities and rejoicing. Festivals are a time when the entire family comes
together, thank God for their being together and prays for the happiness of
each other. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one such festive occasion and one of
the most major Hindu festivals in India.
Celebrated mainly in the northern and western parts of India, Raksha
Bandhan celebrates the love of brothers and sisters. According to
traditions, the sister on this day prays for the well being and long life of
his brother and the brother promises to stand by her side during the thick
and thins of life. The festival has been celebrated in the very same way for
hundreds of years, however, the means and ways have somewhat changed with
time according to changing lifestyle.
Historical Significance of Raksha Bandhan
Rakhi or Rakshabandhan has held a special significance in the country since
the ancient times. According to a well known incident that took place during
the medieval era when there was a fierce battle going on between the Rajputs
and Muslim invaders. It is said that the Muslim ruler Bahadur Shah was on
the verge of defeating the Rajputs. Rani Karmawati, the widowed queen of the
king of Chittor, having realised this sent a thread to emperor Humayun.
Deeply touched by the gesture, Emperor Humayun rushed to help the queen and
succeeded in saving her kingdom from the invaders. Since then, the 'thread'
or Raksha Bandhan has represented a bond of love between the brother and
sister.
Though Raksha Bandhan is considered as a festival of brother and sister
these days, it was not always like this. During ancient times, rakhi was a
thread of protection which could be tied by a daughter, wife, sister or
mother. The learned men tied a thread on their hands as a protection against
evil or on the hands of people coming to seek their blessings.
Rakhi in different parts of India
The festival of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is celebrated mainly in the
northern and western parts of the country. However, the same festival having
the same significance is celebrated in different regions of India under
different names. Some of the different names under which this festival is
celebrated include :
Nariyal Purnima - The festival is called Nariyal Purnima
meaning coconut full moon in the western states of India including Gujarat,
Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Rakshabandhan here signifies the onset of a
new season for the coastal states dependent on the sea.
Avani Avittam - The festival of Avani Avittam is
celebrated in the southern states of India including Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. An important occasion for people belonging to the
Brahman community, it is the day when the Brahmin's change their holy
threads.
Kajari Purnima - Shravani or Kajari Purnima is celebrated
in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Bihar. It is a
significant day for the farmers of the area.
Pavitropana - Celebrated in Gujarat by the name
Pavitropana, it is a day when people worship Lord Shiva, the three eyed God.
A grand pooja followed by celebrations marks the occasion.
