The togetherness between a brother and a sister is extraordinary and can’t be described in words. The connection between siblings is incredible and is important in every portion of our life. Nonetheless, when it comes to India, the love and bond become more special as there is a unique occasion called “Raksha Bandhan” devoted to specifically for brothers and sisters. This is a delighted Hindu festival commemorated in India and regions like Nepal to signify the affection between a brother and a sister. In the Hindu lunisolar calender, the special occasion of Raksha Bandhan is commemorated in the month of Shravana, which commonly occurs in the August month of the Gregorian calendar.
Meaning of Raksha Bandhan
The occasion encompasses two terms, namely ‘Raksha’ and ‘Bandhan.’ According to the Sanskrit vocabulary, the occasion implies the bond or knot of protection, whereas ‘Raksha’ implies protection, and ‘Bandhan’ implies the verb to knot. Jointly, the occasion exemplifies the lasting love of the sibling relationship, which does not imply just the blood relationships only. It is also well-known and commemorated among sisters, cousins, sister-in-law, fraternal aunts, nephews, and other connections. You can order rakhi online for your close ones and make the occasion more delightful.
Origin of Raksha Bandhan Occasion.
The celebration of Raksha Bandhan is understood to have arisen centuries ago, and there are numerous tales associated with the sentiment of this special occasion. Some of the numerous accounts identical to the Hindu folklore are portrayed below:
Indra Dev and Sachi:
According to the historical tale of Bhavishya Purana, once there was a brutal fighting between gods and demons. Lord Indra, known to be the major godhead of the sky, rains, and thunderstorms, battling the war on the angle of the Gods, was having a tough opposition from the strong demon King Bali. The battle proceeded for an extended time and did not reach a definitive verge. Watching this, Indra’s wife Sachi ran to Lord Vishnu, who provided her with a sacred bracelet composed of cotton thread. Sachi knotted the sacred thread around Indra’s wrist, who eventually won against the devils and recouped the Amaravati. The timelier account of the occasion characterized these sacred threads as amulets that were utilized by women for devotions and were fastened to their husbands when they were departing for war. Diverse from the current times, those sacred threads were not exclusive to brother-sister relationships. Hence, on this occasion, you can send flowers online to your close ones and your dearest brother.
King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi:
As per a description of Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana, when Lord Vishnu earned the three worlds from the devil King Bali, he was asked by the devil king to live beside him in the mansion. The Lord approved the invitation and started residing with the devil king. Nonetheless, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu, expected to return to his origin of Vaikuntha. So, she fastened the rakhi around the wrist of the devil king, Bali, and shared the bond. On inquiring about the return gift, Goddess Lakshmi told Bali to leave her husband from the promise and allow him to come back to Vaikuntha. Bali approved the request, and Lord Vishnu returned to his place with Goddess Lakshmi.
Santoshi Maa:
It is believed that the two sons of Lord Ganesha, namely, Labh and Shubh, were disheartened that they don’t have any sister. They begged for a sister from their father, who ultimately obliged their sister – saint Narada. This is how Lord Ganesha brought Santoshi Maa through the sacred flames, and the two sons of Lord Ganesha had a sister for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Krishna and Draupadi:
Based on the tale of Mahabharat, Draupadi, who is the wife of Pandavas, fastened a rakhi to Lord Krishna. In contrast, Kunti knotted the rakhi to Abhimanyu before the huge war.
Yama and the Yamuna:
Another mythology explains that for 12 years, the deceased God, Yama, did not go to meet his sister, the Yamuna, who eventually became very unhappy. With the guidance of Ganga, Yama visited his sister, the Yamuna, who has very pleased and did welcome her brother, Yama. This made the Yama fascinated, who asked the Yamuna for a token. She conveyed her wish to meet her brother again and again. Listening to this, Yama made Yamuna eternal so that he could meet her again and again. This mythic account establishes the basis of the occasion called Bhai Dooj, which is also established on the brother-sister relationship.
The motive for the celebration of this occasion
The occasion of Raksha Bandhan is seen as a reminder of responsibility between brothers and sisters. The occasion is implied to commemorate any brother-sister bond between men and women who may not be connected by blood.
On this special day, a sister knots a rakhi on her brother’s wrist to pray for his happiness, health, and prosperity. The brother, in return, gives gifts and pledges to safeguard his sister from any risk under every condition. The occasion is also commemorated between brother-sister belonging to different family members, relatives, or siblings.
