Alok Prakash 
Raksha Bandhan: The wide variety of festivals celebrated in India is a true manifestation of its rich culture and traditions. Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is one of the most ancient festivals celebrated in India, dedicated to the pious bond between a brother and a sister. On this day, brothers swear to protect their sisters from all adversities, while sisters pray for their brother’s well-being. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the month of Shravana during full moon day or Purnima day. The dates of Raksha Bandhan vary each year because of the position of the Moon.
The festival is also called as Rakhi Poornima, Nariyal Poornima and Kajari Poornima in different states and is celebrated differently.
Raksha Bandhan Date and auspicious time
Important Timings On Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan Significance
There are many stories related to the origin of Raksha Bandhan.
First story: Raksha Bandhan was born from an ancient story about Lord Krishna and his friend Draupadi, a pair who embodied platonic and caring male and female friendships in Hindu scripture. It is believed that once Lord Krishna got injured by a sharp weapon. At that time Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas, tore off a section of her sari and bandaged Madhav’s finger. In return for this favour, Shri Krishna pledged to protect Panchali when she would be in trouble.
Krishna accepted it as the ‘Raksha Sutra’ and when the Kauravas attempted to dishonour her by disrobing Panchali in front of her husbands in a court full of courtiers. With Krishna’s blessings, Draupadi’s sari became endless when Dushasana tried disrobing her.
This is how Shri Krishna saved Panchali just like a brother protects a sister from all evils. Thus, the trend to tie a rakhi has been carried forward throughout history.
Second Story: According to a popular legend, Alexander’s wife Roxana sent a rakhi for King Porus and asked him to spare Alexander’s life in return. King Porus promised her that if he ever comes face to face with Alexander in the battle, he would walk away without harming him.
Third Story: Popular legend Rani Karnavati also sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, asking for help to protect her fort in Chittorgarh during a war. Around the Bengal partition, Rabindranath Tagore urged both Hindu and Muslim women to tie rakhis on the wrists of men belonging to opposite communities, as a symbolic fight against the divide and rule policy of the British.
Also See: Most Popular Festivals of India for Celebrations
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