Raksha Bandhan 2023 - August 30 Wednesday

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi which is celebrated on Purnima or full moon day in the month of Shravan (popularly known as Saawan) is a day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their pious bonds of affection. It is usually a festival of the Hindus though today people from different religions participate as well.

The auspicious date of Raksha Bandhan: 30 Aug 2023 from 09 PM to 31 Aug 2023 at 8.30 AM



Around mid-August, on Shravan Purnima, Hindus all over celebrate Raksha Bandhan. "Raksha" means protection, "Bandhan" means bound making the Rakhi the “Bond of Protection”. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri, saluna and baleva.

Raksha Bandhan Rituals & Traditions

Sisters tie a special band on their brothers wrist on the day of Raksha Bandhan as a mark of affection. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the Rakhi .  It is a way of telling your brother that you will never forget how he teased you about everything, yet fought with those who spoke a single word against you and how you bid him farewell with a smile, and only he saw those tear drops in your eyes. The brother in turn takes a lifelong vow to protect her sister under all circumstances and to always stand by her side.

As per the traditions, the sister on this day prepares the puja thali with diya, roli, chawal and rakhis. She worships the deities, ties Rakhi to the brother(s) and wishes for their well-being. The brother in turn acknowledges the love with a promise to be by the sisters side through thick and thin and gives her a token gift. Raksha Bandhan tightens the bond of love between the sister and brother.

Legends of Raksha Bandhan

The practice of tying thread was prevalent among the Rajputs and our history is full of instances related to the significance of this tradition. At the time of war when the brave Rajput soldiers prepared to go to the battlefield, the women folk followed the ritual of tying a thread around their wrist after applying a dash of vermilion powder on their forehead. This was considered a sign of good omen and the ladies believed that it would protect their men from the enemy s blow and bring them victory. Today children and women all around the country filling the soldiers with the zest to protect them against the dangers of the enemy tie Rakhi on the wrists of soldiers.

Raksha Bandhan if taken in true sense has a much broader perspective; the festival encompasses true sense of peace and brotherhood. The values propagated by the occasion if inculcated by all human beings can bring the much-needed relief from the ongoing violence and mistrust.
The rich Indian mythology provides a religious reason to celebrate the day in a specific way. Many epics are related to the day and the origin of Raksha Bandhan. The festival finds a mention in most of the epics and its origin can be traced back to the mythological Pouranik times.

Raksha Bandhan reflects the message of “VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBKAM” – The Whole world is one Family.

Stories Behind Rakshabandhan

Lord Krishna and Draupathi

This is perhaps the most popular and interesting story around Rakhi. Lord Krishna killed King Shishupal in order to protect his people against all evil. During the fight, Shishupal was hurt and having noticed this, Draupadi tore a piece from her saree and tied it round his wrist which would stop bleeding. Lord Krsihna was overwhelmed by the affection and declared his sisterly affection towards Draupadi. In return Krishna, promised help to Draupadi when she needed. Years later when the Pandavas lost Draupadi in chess, the Kauravas were removing her saree. But it was Krishna who kept her saree elongated so that they could not remove it.

Alexander The Great and King Puru

This is perhaps the oldest story about Rakhi which goes back to 300 BC. King Alexander during his first attempt to conquer India was shaken by the mighty King Puru. Alexander’s wife was upset by this and she approached King Puru during Rakhi. King Puru accepted her as his sister and refrained from attacking Alexander when he got the opportunity.

Rani Karnawati and Emperor Humayun

Another very old story of Rakhi goes back to the medieval times when Rajputs were fighting the Muslims. Rakhi was a very important festival then and it meant bonding and protecting sisters. When Rani Karnwati realised that in way could she defend herself from the invasion of Bahadur Shah, she sent a rakhi to Humayun. The Emperor was so pleased with the gesture that he taking his troops away from her kingdom.

King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi

Mahabali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and therefore the later took upon the task of protecting his kingdom. He left his own place, Vikundam to protect Mahabai’s kingdom. However, Vishnu’s wife Goddess Lakshmi felt very lonely and sad as she did not have the company of her Lord. Disguised as a Brahmin woman, she went to Bali and tied rakhi on his wrist on Shravan Purnima. Goddess Lakshmi then revealed her true identity and purpose of her visit. He was touched by this gesture and requested Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi to visit Vaikuntam. It is believed that since this day, all brothers invite their sisters over to tie rakhi.

Gift Ideas on Rakhi

With time it is increasingly difficult to make the right gifting choice. Whether it is for parents, siblings, friends, children or spouse, you just want to get it right. And when it becomes a special occasion like Rakhi, making the right choice becomes more difficult.

In order to make the right choice for your brother or sister, you should be well versed with their likes and dislikes.

Rakhi Gifts for Brothers

If your brother wants to make a style statement then you can opt for sunglasses, perfumes or watches. A bracelet is also loved by many boys. You can also gift pens, headphones or a pen drive. If your brother is an office going person, and if you have some extra money you can buy a shirt or tie too. Books, CDs and backpacks can be a good idea for younger brothers. If you are the elder sister you can splurge your younger brother by taking him to a gaming zone or to a movie and dinner. Chocolates and candies are always loved by all.

Rakhi Gifts for Sisters

Sisters can be spoilt with choices. Whether young or older, jewellery is every girls friend. You need not go for expensive jewellery if you do not have enough money. You can buy her artificial jewellery which all girls love. For the fashion conscious sisters, you can buy international perfume, designer bags or bracelets and anklets. Gifting Jewellery box is also a good idea for sisters. For younger ones you can gift all time favourite teddy bears and chocolates. For married sisters wall decoration, flower vase or paintings are great.