Raksha Bandhan 2023: Date, Time, And Significance

Every year, the festive season begins with Raksha Bandhan. One of the most awaited Hindu ceremonies, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated annually by siblings. The festival that marks the special bond brothers and sisters share is observed by Indians across the globe with utmost zeal. Raksha Bandhan, the festival's name finds its roots in Sanskrit terminology. 'Raksha' means to protect and 'Bandhan' stands to tie. The occasion celebrates the brother-sister relationship.

Raksha Bandhan 2023 Date And Time

This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on August 30. Astrologer Sonia Malik shared that Raksha Bandhan's Shubh Muhurat will begin at 05:50 and conclude at 18:03. The time duration will be 12 hours and 11 minutes.

Raksha Bandhan Significance

Every Raksha Bandhan, sisters pray for the long life of their brothers. Some women also fast all day and perform puja for the happiness of their brothers. After tying Rakhi, sisters offer Roli (red tilak) and light to their brothers. The sacred thread sisters tie on the wrist of their brothers on this occasion which is believed to strengthen the sibling bond. In return, brothers shower their sisters with gifts and a promise to protect them all their life.

Legends Associated With Raksha Bandhan

There are many legends connected to the festival and though there are no credible sources behind these tales, we feel they do add value to the celebrations. A popular one comes from Mahabharata when Lord Krishna once hurt his finger. Draupadi instantly tore her saree to stop Lord Krishna's finger from bleeding. Lord Krishna was moved to see Draupadi's love for him and he vowed to always protect her.

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As per another legend, Raksha Bandhan didn't just stand for sibling love. When there was a war between the demons and the Gods, Lord Brahma gave Indrani, Lord Indra's wife, a sacred thread to tie around his wrist before he heads for war. The holy thread then protected Lord Indra from King Bali throughout the fight and the former ended up winning. Ever since then, the thread became the symbol of protection against evil.

Another legend suggests that Rani Karnavati, queen of Chittor once sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun when the kingdom feared the invasion from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Humayun during that time was fighting another war and couldn't reach on time. Chittor was defeated by Bahadur Shah and the queen performed Jauhar to protect her honour. However, he was deeply touched by Queen Karnavati's gesture. He reached Chittor shortly and restored the kingdom to Queen Karnavati's son Vikramjit.

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During Alexander's invasion of India in 326 BCE, Alexander's wife sent a sacred thread to Porus when the two were fighting the first Battle of Jhelum. The thread came with a message to not harm her husband during the war. If legends are to be believed, the thread constantly reminded Porus of Roxana and he didn't attack Alexander directly.