When is Raksha Bandhan in 2023? Date of Rakhi festival, meaning explained and how it’s celebrated
More than a billion Hindus celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan every year on the full moon during the holy month of Shravan.
The day â also known as âRakhiâ â offers Hindus the opportunity to celebrate the bond and love between a brother and sister, or siblings in general.
âRaksha bandhanâ translates to mean âthe bond of safety and securityâ that siblings promise each other, no matter the circumstances.
When is Raksha Bandhan 2022?
Raksha Bandhan dates vary year to year depending on the moonâs calendar cycle. This year it falls on Wednesday 30 August.
Next year it will be on Monday 19 August.
What is the meaning behind Raksha Bandhan?
As one of the oldest festivals in India, Raksha Bandhan â also known as âRakhiâ â is a day that celebrates the bond and love between a brother and sister, or siblings in general.
The words âraksha bandhaâ means âthe bond of safety and securityâ that siblings promise each other, no matter the circumstances.
Raksha Bandhan has huge historical and mythological significance for Hindus worldwide.
According to the The Indian Express, in Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna had cut his finger while using his divine discus, Draupadi had dressed up his wound using the loose end of her saree.
Thus, he had promised to always protect her, and he had kept his word especially during her public humiliation in the Hastinapur royal court.
The tradition has persisted, with sisters tying a ârakhiâ around the wrist of brothers, and them promising to protect them always.
The rakhi band itself serves as a protection for the brothers, and comes in many different varieties, colours and designs.
On 3 August, the âmuhuratâ or most auspicious time to tie the rakhi is between 9.28am and 9.17pm.
Itâs thought that during the ritual, brothers sit facing eastwards, to usher in new opportunities and prospects for their professional life.
How is Raksha Bandhan celebrated?
Every member of the family rises early for rituals; a special puja thali is prepared for the ceremony and roli, rice grains, diya, sweets and rakhis are kept in the thali.
During the âmuhuratâ, sisters put tilak on their brotherâs forehead, tie a sacred thread âRakhiâ on their wrist and pray for a long life.
In return, brothers offer gifts and promises of protection.
Those who donât have a brother or male cousins usually tie rakhis on their elder sisterâs hand, or celebrate the occasion with other relatives or friends.