New Delhi (Raksha Bandhan Facts). Raksha Bandhan is considered a Hindu festival. It is celebrated as a symbol of love and respect between brother and sister. It is especially popular among people living in countries like India and Nepal. But now, due to Indians settling abroad, it is also being celebrated in countries like America and Australia. Questions related to Raksha Bandhan are also asked in many general knowledge quizzes.
If you are preparing for any exam, then you should also know the history of Raksha Bandhan. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan month. It usually falls in August in the Gregorian calendar. With time, Raksha Bandhan is no longer just a festival of love between brother and sister. In the present times, sisters-in-law tie Rakhi to their sisters-in-law, daughters tie Rakhi to their fathers and sisters tie Rakhi to each other. This special festival is a symbol of social harmony and brotherhood. Know some facts related to Raksha Bandhan.
1- The word Rakshabandhan is formed by combining the words ‘Raksha’ and ‘Bandhan’. ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means bond. Thus, Rakshabandhan means ‘bond of protection’.
2- On the festival of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a Rakhi or protective thread on their brothers’ wrists and take a promise from them to protect them. Brothers promise to provide protection and help to their sisters. With changing times, the tradition of giving gifts has also started.
3- According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Indra was going to fight the demons, his wife Indrani tied a thread on his wrist.
4- Raksha Bandhan is also known by names like Rakhi Purnima, Rakhi or Rakhri across the country.
5- In the hilly areas of Nepal, there is a tradition of tying Rakhi on the wrist of one’s Guru during Raksha Bandhan.
6- The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with some unique traditions in the Marathi community. These include changing the sacred thread and worshiping the sea.
7- Raksha Bandhan is the last day of Saavan. That is why it is also called Shravani (Saavani) or Saloono.
8- Raksha Bandhan is known as Nariyal Purnima in Maharashtra.
9- The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated not only in India but also in Nepal and Mauritius. Now Indians settled in countries like America and Australia have also made it popular there.
10- Like Kalava, Rakhi is also tied on the right wrist of boys. There are many religious, spiritual and scientific reasons behind this.
11- In many places in India, this festival is not limited to just brothers and sisters. There is a tradition of tying Rakhi to trees, mountains, rivers, and gods and goddesses. In some places, wives also tie Rakhi to their husbands.
12- The Amarnath Yatra to visit Lord Shiva starts on Guru Purnima and ends on the day of Raksha Bandhan.
13- Sisters-in-law also tie the sacred thread of Rakhi to their sisters-in-law. This ritual is more popular in Uttar Pradesh. Sisters-in-law’s Rakhi is called Lumba Rakhi.
14- Rakhi festival is mainly celebrated by Hindus and Jains in India and around the world. However, now it is also being observed in other religions including Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians in many places.
15- When Bengal was partitioned in 1905, Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore used Raksha Bandhan to promote love and peace between Hindu and Muslim communities.
Tags: Rakshabandhan, festival of rakshabandhan, Religion
FIRST PUBLISHED : August 19, 2024, 10:37 IST
