Raksha Bandhan is one of the most popular festivals of the Hindu community and is observed as the day to honour the relationship between a brother and sister. In English, ‘Raksha Bandhan‘ translates to ‘the bond of protection, obligation or care’. According to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan falls on the last day of the lunar calendar month of Shravan. In 2023, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 30th August (Wednesday).
Raksha Bandhan 2023 Date and Muhrat Timing
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year with enthusiasm by people of all cultures alike. Raksha Bandhan 2023 date is 30th August, Wednesday. The Muhrat or the auspicious beginning of this year’s Raksha Bandhan is between 9:28 to 21:14 on the 11th August 2023. This beginning is for 12 hours.
- Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time – after 09:01 PM
- Raksha Bandhan Bhadra End Time – 09:01 PM
- Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Punchha – 05:30 PM to 06:31 PM
- Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Mukha – 06:31 PM to 08:11 PM
- Muhurat available after Pradosh only when Bhadra ends
- Purnima Tithi Begins – 10:58 AM on Aug 30, 2023
- Purnima Tithi Ends – 07:05 AM on Aug 31, 2023
Importance of Raksha Bandhan Festival
Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrated in India to honor the sacred bond between brothers and sisters. It holds immense importance as it symbolizes the deep-rooted affection, love, and protection that siblings have for each other. This festival not only strengthens the bond between siblings but also fosters a sense of unity, love, and respect within the family. It serves as a reminder of the values of loyalty, trust, and support that are essential in any relationship. Raksha Bandhan transcends boundaries, bringing families together and reinforcing the significance of the sibling bond. It is a celebration of the unbreakable bond of love and a cherished tradition that brings joy and happiness to all involved
Raksha Bandhan History and Significance
Raksha Bandhan 2023 | Raksha Bandhan History and Significance
The origin of Raksha Bandhan goes as far as the era of Gods and Goddesses. According to a popular legend, Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on Lord Krishna’s wrist when he hurt his finger while fighting to kill the evil King Shishupal. Krishna, in return, promised to protect her.
Medieval history has another significant version about a brother’s promise to his sister. When under attack by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, Rani Karnavati of Mewar sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun and sought help from him. Touched by the gesture, the Mughal ruler abandoned his military campaign and rushed to help the queen without wasting any time.
During the Partition of Bengal in 1905, Rabindranath Tagore started Rakhi Mahotsav – a mass Raksha Bandhan festival, to instil a feeling of togetherness and love between Hindus and Muslims of Bengal. It is known that he started this tradition as a counter to the efforts of the British of creating a divide between communities.
Raksha Bandhan Pooja Vidhi
Raksha Bandhan, an auspicious festival celebrated in India, involves a significant ritual known as the “pooja vidhi.” The pooja vidhi commences with the preparation of a small pooja thali containing a diya (oil lamp), roli (vermilion powder), rice grains, sweets, and Rakhi. Sisters perform an Aarti, waving the lamp in a circular motion in front of their brothers, and apply a tilak of roli on their foreheads. They then tie the Rakhi around the brother’s wrist, offering prayers for his well-being and prosperity. In return, brothers give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and promise to protect them from all adversities. The pooja vidhi creates a spiritual atmosphere, strengthening the bond between siblings and reinforcing the significance of Raksha Bandhan 2023 as a celebration of love and protection.
Raksha Bandhan 2023 Celebrations across India
Raksha Bandhan 2023 | Raksha Bandhan celebration
On this day, a girl puts tilak on her brother’s forehead, performs his aarti, and ties a Rakhi around his wrist, commemorating their sacred bond. In return, the brother gives special gifts to his sister, along with the promise to take care of her and protect her under any circumstances.
Among the Rajasthani and Marwari communities, there is a ritual to tie ‘Lumba Rakhi’ on the bangle of their brother’s wife. It is believed that since the wife is considered to be the better half, the ritual would be incomplete without her. Also, she will equally share her husband’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of his sister. This ritual is fast catching up to other Indian communities as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is Raksha Bandhan in 2023?
A. Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 30th August in 2023.
Q. How will Rakhi 2023 be celebrated in India?
A. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. Sisters prepare for the festival by selecting special rakhis and sweets. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie the rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, perform aarti (a ceremonial ritual), and offer sweets. Brothers, in turn, give gifts to their sisters as a token of their love and protection. The festival is also an occasion for families to come together, exchange blessings, and share festive meals.
Q. Are there any regional variations in Raksha Bandhan 2023 celebrations in India?
A. Yes, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with slight regional variations across different parts of India. For example, in the state of Maharashtra, people celebrate “Narali Purnima” along with Raksha Bandhan, which is dedicated to the worship of the sea god Varuna. In some regions of North India, it is customary for the sister to tie a sacred thread on the wrist of their brother-in-law, in addition to their own brothers. These regional variations add diversity and unique customs to the overall celebration of Raksha Bandhan in India.